A New Setup for Real-Time Investigations of Optical Fiber Sensors Subjected to Gamma-Rays: Case Study on Long Period Gratings.

Andrei Stancalie,Flavio Esposito,Razvan Mihalcea,Stefania Campopiano,Constantin Daniel Neguț,Anubhav Srivastava,Agostino Iadicicco,Marian Ghena

doi:10.3390/s20154129

Abstract

In this work, we present a new setup for real-time investigations of optical fibers and optical fiber sensors while being subjected to gamma-rays. The investigation of the radiation effects on novel or well-assessed sensing devices has attracted a lot of interest, however, the facilities required to do this (when available) are barely accessible to the device to be characterized. In order to reduce the limitations of these types of experiments and ensure a highly controlled environment, we implemented a configuration that permits the on-line testing of optical components inside a Co-60 gamma chamber research irradiator. To show the advantages of this new approach, we present a case study that compares an arc-induced optical fiber long period grating (LPG) irradiated in a gamma chamber with the same type of grating irradiated with gamma-rays from a Co-60 industrial irradiator. In order to better understand the effects of radiation on such components and their behavior in radiation environments, we focus on the homogeneity of the radiation field and parameter customizability as well as the high reproducibility of the experiments.

Highlights

Fiber optic sensing technology has been extensively studied due to its vital role and potential in industrial applications
We have reported on the real-time investigation of long period gratings inscribed standard SMF28 while subjected to gamma-rays using two experimental irradiation configurations
To the best of our knowledge, a customized GC-5000 Co-60

Summary

Introduction

Fiber optic sensing technology has been extensively studied due to its vital role and potential in industrial applications. Due to the flexibility of optical fiber manufacturing technologies [6], and because optical fiber sensors can withstand a high level of radiation [7], there is great interest in their application in such environments [8,9]. Radiation-induced absorption (RIA) [10] and refractive index change [11] are the most investigated radiation-induced effects on optical fibers, depending on the working principle of the sensor. These effects are complex and are dependent on the chemical composition of the optical fibers, the environment in which the irradiation takes place and the manufacturing process [12].

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Results

Conclusion