Transverse mechanical stress and optical birefringence induced into single-mode optical fibre embedded in a smart polymer composite material

Abstract

Optical birefringence effects induced by transverse mechanical stress into a Long Period Grating Fibre Sensor fabricated into a single mode optical fibre embedded into the polymer matrix of a smart composite material are investigated by developing a simulation/design software toolbox dedicated to analysing important optomechanical characteristics of the smart material. The sensor is operated as the smart composite material feedback loop which provides the input signal for automation systems and/or for smart material monitoring. There are analysed the birefringence effects induced into the single mode optical fibre bare constituent fused silica and into its grating. The simulation results are compared with experimental ones reported in literature and a good agreement is observed. The paper is pointing to an improved simulation/design method of smart composite polymer materials and their applications in various fields such as aeronautics, industry, medicine and defence.