Abstract
This work bridges the gap between the remote interrogation of multiple optical sensors and the advantages of using inherently biocompatible low-cost polymer optical fiber (POF)-based photonic sensing. A novel hybrid sensor network combining both silica fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) and polymer FBGs (POFBG) is analyzed. The topology is compatible with WDM networks so multiple remote sensors can be addressed providing high scalability. A central monitoring unit with virtual data processing is implemented, which could be remotely located up to units of km away. The feasibility of the proposed solution for potential medical environments and biomedical applications is shown.
Highlights
Invasive tools and sensors have become essential for medical diagnosis and surgery with the desire of serving at the same time to sense physiological parameters, and being able to overcome biocompatibility concerns
Measurement principles mainly include the use of optical interferometers in multiple configurations (Sagnac, Michelson, Mach-Zehnder or Fabry-Perot), intensity-based fiber-optic sensor (FOS) and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs)
The main underlying reason behind this lack of development is the mismatch between the optimum operating wavelength regions of polymer optical fiber (POF) and the optical devices exploited for telecommunications purposes. The latter are developed for a wavelength region (C- and L-bands) totally unsuitable for POF-based transmission over medium-distances due to the high attenuation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based POF of around 1 dB/cm at 1550 nm
Summary
Invasive tools and sensors have become essential for medical diagnosis and surgery with the desire of serving at the same time to sense physiological parameters, and being able to overcome biocompatibility concerns. The latter are developed for a wavelength region (C- and L-bands) totally unsuitable for POF-based transmission over medium-distances (hundreds of meters or greater) due to the high attenuation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based POF of around 1 dB/cm at 1550 nm Such high losses limit the practical length that POF can be used at this wavelength to typically less than tens of cm, requiring a connection stage at some stage to silica fiber to exploit the full capabilities of the WDM approach. The fact that only a short length of POF can be used in the C- and L-bands requires a silica connecting lead to be used unless the sensor is mounted right next to the measurement unit, resulting in a very restricted sensing solution design criteria. Another important attribute that will be discussed in this paper is the power budget analysis of the proposed topology as the POFBG needs to be integrated at some point with silica fiber related technology to make it useful
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
