Applications Of Fiber Optic Sensors Research Articles

Speckle-decoded temperature-insensitive strain identification in a multimode optical fiber.

Fiber-optic sensing systems are significant tools for measuring various physical or biochemical parameters. However, temperature cross-sensitivity prevents accurate recognition of the target input signal when optical sensors are applied in practical scenarios. Herein, leveraging a deep learning algorithm, a speckle-decoded temperature-insensitive strain sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Scattering patterns are utilized to estimate the axial strain since the external force could change the coherent superposition of the amplitudes of propagating modes. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the sensing system based on a classification model can reach 99.28% within a wide strain range of 0-0.3 N in the presence of temperature cross talk. In addition, the strain prediction demonstrates an average root-mean-square error of 1.02 N%. Such an intelligent speckle sensing strategy has the potential to broaden the applications of fiber-optic sensors in various engineering applications.

In Situ Label‐Free Monitoring of Riboflavin Concentration in Shewanella via a Fiber‐Optic Biosensor Modified by Ti3C2‐MXene@ SGNps Composites

AbstractRiboflavin is a common marker of microbial corrosion and can act as an electron shuttle in the solvated state to enhance electron transfer efficiency. In this paper, an in‐situ label‐free fiber‐optic biosensor modified by Ti3C2‐MXene@Square Gold nanoparticles (SGNps) composites and riboflavin kinase is developed, which behaved with high sensitivity for measuring riboflavin. The sensing interface of the sensor is constructed by stepwise assembly of SGNps and riboflavin kinase using Ti3C2‐MXene nanosheets as the supporting substrate. Riboflavin kinase catalyzed the phosphorylation of riboflavin to form flavin mononucleotides in the presence of adenine nucleoside triphosphate and Mg2+. Experimental results showed that the sensitivity of riboflavin measurement is 5.61 nm µm−1 and the limit of detection (LOD) is 115 nmol L−1 (nm) in the concentration range of 0–2.656 µm. In situ label‐free monitoring of riboflavin in Shewanella, the sensitivity of the sensor in bacterial fragmentation fluid is 53.90 nm/OD within the optical density (OD) of 0–0.175, and the LOD is OD = 0.017. The above results verified the feasibility of the sensor for in situ monitoring of riboflavin in microbial corrosive environments, with ultra‐low detection limit and good selectivity, which undoubtedly provided great research value for the application of optical fiber sensors in microbial corrosion monitoring.

Use of fiber-optic sensors to monitor concrete dams: recent breakthroughs and new opportunities.

Structural health monitoring of dams is a cornerstone tool for engineers to assess and ensure dam safety. One of the keystones of structural health monitoring is the acquisition of data with sensors to assess the overall health of the structure. Sensor technologies have experienced notable advances in recent years, such as the incorporation of devices based on fiber-optic technology. Here, we focus on the application of fiber-optic sensors (FOSs) to the monitoring of concrete dams. We review the literature and report the latest advances in fiber-optic technology available in the market as well as those used for research applications and compare the performance of FOSs with conventional devices and the requirements recommended by practitioners. FOSs have better performance than conventional sensors when it comes to monitoring most of the variables of interest to monitor concrete dams, such as temperature, strain, vibration, among others. Moreover, fiber-optic sensors have some inherent features that make them an excellent choice, such as high spatial resolution, easiness of data acquisition, or continuous spatial monitoring of parameters along the wire, among others.

Experimental study on practical application of optical fiber sensor (OFS) for high-temperature system

This study explores the application of Raman scattering-based optical fiber sensors (OFSs) in extreme environments, specifically focusing on a loop heater vessel with temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 680 °C. This condition generally covers the advanced reactor designs, such as Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor and High Temperature Reactor. Various optical fiber combinations were employed for temperature measurements, taking into consideration the operating temperature of the target equipment. Two types of OFSs, gold-coated and polyimide-coated, were utilized. Protective tubes made of stainless steel (STS) and carbon were introduced to ensure reliable temperature data collection in high-temperature settings. Results indicate that the STS tube with a gold-coated OFS exhibited the highest consistency and agreement with thermocouple measurements, making it suitable for extreme environments. The study emphasizes the applicability of this system in high-temperature environments, such as liquid metal reactors, high-temperature thermal energy storage system, and hydrogen production system, for environmental monitoring.

Reliability Assessment of Fiber Optic Shape Sensing

Fiber optic shape sensing is a promising technology capable of enriching the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), with many potential applications that expand the uses of distributed optical fiber sensors. The operational principle is based on the simultaneous strain acquisition from several optical fiber cores deployed in a single sensing cable (or multicore fiber). The parallel strain traces of these cores can be combined to extract curvature and torsion distributions along the sensing cable, that can be used for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the underlying shape. This study evaluates the reliability of fiber optic shape sensing for damage detection through the use of a model-assisted probability of detection framework specifically developed to simulate a carbon fiber-reinforced polymers specimen under quasi-static loading monitored by distributed optical fiber sensors based on Rayleigh backscattering. Specifically, we compare the performance of a traditional distributed optical fiber strain sensor with the one of a hypothetical distributed shape sensing cable (or multicore fiber). To perform this comparison, we redefine the damage index definition, which is usually based on the measured strain values, to make it compatible with shape sensing, where it can be defined in terms of curvature and torsion. With these preliminary results, we aim to evaluate whether shape sensing technology can be employed for damage detection to detect damage-related deformation, whether we can obtain better results compared to traditional optical fiber sensor applications, and discuss how damage metrics need to be modified. In future activities, these aspects will be further investigated taking into account other case studies and shape sensing configurations.

Research on the application of interferometric optical fiber sensors in high-pressure gas pipelines

The advantages of fiber optic sensors based on fiber optic interferometers with explosion-proof safety in gas pipeline monitoring has gradually emerged. A monitoring system for natural gas pipelines was designed and implemented using a Michelson interferometer as the core structure of the fiber optic sensor and processed the collected data using phase carrier generation demodulation algorithms. Addressing practical issues such as phase wrapping and arm length difference losses, an improved phase carrier demodulation algorithm based on tangent transformation and arctangent-differential self-cross-multiplication was proposed. Field experiments were conducted in gas valve chambers, to analyze the characteristics of leak signals in the pipeline. This study lays the foundation for the application of fiber optic interferometer sensors in gas pipeline monitoring, promising enhanced safety and efficiency.

Distributed fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring of composite pressure vessels

Abstract In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of our research in the field of distributed fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring of hydrogen composite pressure vessels. Specifically, we demonstrate how the integration of fiber optic sensors into composite pressure vessels enhances safety while simultaneously reducing maintenance costs. The small size of optical fibers enables their integration into composite structures during the manufacturing process, allowing continuous monitoring and precise detection and localization of structural damages during service life. We also discuss the potential of state-of-the-art signal processing methods and machine learning for advancing predictive maintenance. Our applications of fiber optic sensors demonstrate their potential to contribute significantly to the energy transition towards renewable sources.

Features of Application of Adaptive Interferometric Fiber Optic Sensors of Acoustic Emission to Monitor the Condition of Polymer Composite Materials

Features of Application of Adaptive Interferometric Fiber Optic Sensors of Acoustic Emission to Monitor the Condition of Polymer Composite Materials

Evaluation and optimization of the performance characteristics of fast response fiber optic oxygen gas probes

Even though many different designs for currently available, fluorescence-based fiber optic sensors for measuring oxygen concentration (O2) are well known (and indeed some are commercially available), they often are limited by their response time and long-term stability. This will cause problems in the important industrial applications of fiber optic sensors of this type that are developing, with limitations that are evident, for example, in physiology and other fields where rapid sensor responses are required. Research by a number of groups has discussed various new designs of fiber optical sensors, which have been developed in recent years where the key features of such probes to achieve the performance required are, for example, optimization of design features such as tip shape and coating layer thickness. The research reported in this paper represents an evaluation of such key factors to allow the design of better fiber optic-based sensors for oxygen measurement, where the optimized performance of a new, specially tapered tip O2 sensor designed has been compared with the output of conventional and commercially available probe designs. The performance of a group of such sensors has been analyzed and cross-compared, examining the key features of such a probe including sensor accuracy, response time and overall long-term stability, as well as cross-sensitivity to any temperature changes which may occur in ‘real’ measurement situations.

Application of fiber optic sensors using Machine Learning algorithms for temperature measurement of lithium-ion batteries

Optical fiber sensors using low-coherence interferometry require processing of the output spectrum or interferogram to determine the instantaneous value of the measured quantity, such as temperature, quickly and accurately. Methods based on machine learning are a good candidate for this application. The application of four such methods in an optical fiber sensor of temperature is demonstrated. Using a ZnO-coated sensing interferometer and spectral detection, the sensor is intended for monitoring lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. While the performance of all methods was good, some of them seem to be better suited for this application. Full Text: PDF References B. Wrålsen et al., "Circular business models for lithium-ion batteries - Stakeholders, barriers, and drivers", J. Clean. Prod. 317, 128393 (2021), CrossRef T. Deng et al., "Measuring smartphone usage and task switching with log tracking and self-reports", Mobile Media & Communication 7, 3 (2019), CrossRef Smartphone Subscriptions Worldwide 2027. Statista, DirectLink T. Jerzyński, G. V. Stimson, H. Shapiro, G. Król., "Estimation of the global number of e-cigarette users in 2020", Harm Reduct. J. 18, 109 (2021). CrossRef Battery chemistries, DirectLink Y. Chen, et al., "A review of lithium-ion battery safety concerns: The issues, strategies, and testing standards", J. Energy Chem 59, 83 (2021), CrossRef T. Görgülü, M. Torun, A. Olgun, "A cause of severe thigh injury: Battery explosion", Ann. Med. Surg. 5, 49 (2016) CrossRef T. Maraqa et al., "Too Hot for Your Pocket! Burns From E-Cigarette Lithium Battery Explosions: A Case Series", J. Burn Care Res. 39, 1043 (2018). CrossRef Y. Chen et al., "A review of lithium-ion battery safety concerns: The issues, strategies, and testing standards", J. Energy Chem. 59, 83 (2021), CrossRef Q. Wang et al., "Thermal runaway caused fire and explosion of lithium ion battery", J. Power Sources 208, 210 (2012), CrossRef P. V. Chombo, L. Yossapong, "A review of safety strategies of a Li-ion battery", J. Power Sources 478, 228649 (2020), CrossRef P. Listewnik, M. Bechelany, J. B. Jasinski, M. Szczerska, "ZnO ALD-Coated Microsphere-Based Sensors for Temperature Measurements", Sensors 20, 4689 (2020), CrossRef M. Szczerska, "Temperature Sensors Based on Polymer Fiber Optic Interferometer", Chemosensors 10, 228 (2022), CrossRef M. Kruczkowski et al., "redictions of cervical cancer identification by photonic method combined with machine learning", Sci. Rep. 12, 3762 (2022), CrossRef

Application of end-face fiber optic sensor for thermooptical research

The principles of operation and implementation features of the developed fiber-optic device for pulsed thermoreflectometry based on an external Fabry-Perot interferometer are discussed. The possibility of studying local thermal processes in the near-surface layers of samples by changing the thermal reflection of probing radiation during pulsed laser heating is shown. Comparison of experimental data with modeling calculations showed the predominant influence of the thermal deformation mechanism in the case of metal samples.

Effective splicing technique of different cladding diameter-based optical fibers and performance evaluation.

In this work, the fabrication and sensing performance of fusion structures based on single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) with different cladding diameters are discussed, and the effects of different lengths of MMF and fiber etching on sensing performance are analyzed. First, the transmitted intensity measurement experiment is performed, and the results indicate that the performance of the SMF-MMF-SMF(SMS)-based structure is better for sensing purposes. In addition, the results demonstrate that the performance of etched fiber is better than that of non-etched fiber. The etched fiber structure with lower fiber diameters produces more evanescent waves and is better for sensing purposes. Therefore, the proposed structure has certain development potential as an application of future optical fiber sensors.

Optical fiber sensors in infrastructure monitoring: a comprehensive review

Abstract The purpose of this article is to review and further promote the application of optical fiber sensor technology in infrastructure monitoring. Compared with traditional sensors, optical fiber sensors have low maintenance costs and are small in size; consequently, they have gradually become a future development direction of sensors. This paper introduces the basic principles of several commonly used optical fiber sensors and the progress of optical fiber sensors in the monitoring of physical, mechanical, and chemical parameters and demonstrates the applications of optical fiber sensors in infrastructure.

Fiber-optic-based force and shape sensing in surgical robots: a review

PurposeWith the increasing development of the surgical robots, the opto-mechatronic technologies are more potential in the robotics system optimization. The optic signal plays an important role in opto-mechatronic systems. This paper aims to present a review of the research status on fiber-optic-based force and shape sensors in surgical robots.Design/methodology/approachAdvances of fiber-optic-based force and shape sensing techniques in the past 20 years are investigated and summarized according to different surgical requirement and technical characteristics. The research status analysis and development prospects are discussed.FindingsCompared with traditional electrical signal conduction, the phototransduction provides higher speed transmission, lower signal loss and the immunity to electromagnetic interference in robot perception. Most importantly, more and more advanced optic-based sensing technologies are applied to medical robots in the past two decades because the prominence is magnetic resonance imaging compatibility. For medical robots especially, fiber-optic sensing technologies can improve working security, manipulating accuracy and provide force and shape feedback to surgeon.Originality/valueThis is a new perspective. This paper mainly researches the application of optical fiber sensor according to different surgeries which is beneficial to learn the great potential of optical fiber sensor in surgical robots. By enumerating the research progress of medical robots in optimization design, multimode sensing and advanced materials, the development tendency of fiber-optic-based force and shape sensing technologies in surgical robots is prospected.

Innovative Photonic Sensors for Safety and Security, Part II: Aerospace and Submarine Applications.

The employability of photonics technology in the modern era's highly demanding and sophisticated domain of aerospace and submarines has been an appealing challenge for the scientific communities. In this paper, we review our main results achieved so far on the use of optical fiber sensors for safety and security in innovative aerospace and submarine applications. In particular, recent results of in-field applications of optical fiber sensors in aircraft monitoring, from a weight and balance analysis to vehicle Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Landing Gear (LG) monitoring, are presented and discussed. Moreover, underwater fiber-optic hydrophones are presented from the design to marine application.

Applications of fiber optic sensors in traffic monitoring: a review

Instrumenting pavement with fiber optic sensors has recently gained popularity as a part of the digital infrastructure transformation. In this survey, we present some of the recent real-world implementations of fiber optic sensors as real-time traffic monitoring systems. We highlight advantages and limitations of the surveyed instrumentations. We identify preferred range of values for some of the key design parameters that are necessary for durability and accurate weighing of individual axles. These parameters include strain resolution, scanning rate, installation depth, spatial resolution, and sensor orientation. Some of the studies report excellent results in terms of vehicle axle count, weight, and speed achieving accuracy levels above 90% with single digit margin of error. Lastly, we draw attention to some of the outstanding challenges from technical, operational, and scalability points of views.

Review on Optical Fiber Sensors for Hazardous-Gas Monitoring in Mines and Tunnels

Gas monitoring in mines and tunnels is the key to ensuring safe production. Nowadays, optical fiber gas sensors depend on the advantages of non-electrical signal transmission, anti-electromagnetic interference, corrosion resistance, and small size, has aroused the interests of researchers. In this direction, this paper reviews optical fiber sensors for monitoring common hazardous gases (nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide) in mines and tunnels. The adaptability of optical fiber sensors and the characteristics of different optical sensing principles (interferometers, fiber Bragg grating, long-period fiber grating, surface plasmon resonance, and evanescent field) are first discussed. As foundations, the characteristics and sources of various gases, as well as the sensing principles of optical fiber gas sensors, are summarized. Then, the application of optical fiber sensors in hazardous-gas monitoring is discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future trends of optical fiber gas sensors are concluded.

Low Temperature Sensor Based on Etched LPFG with Different Materials Coating

A low temperature sensor based on etched Long Period Fiber Grating LPFG is proposed and demonstrated. A chemically etched LPFG sensor coated with (Indium In, Aluminum Al, Silver Ag, Palladium Pd and Titanium Ti) embedded within a build low temperature setup. The sensor investigation was carried out under temperature range of 20℃ to -150℃; and the resonance wavelength shift was collected with different cooling rates of (10, 15, 20, 25℃/min) in order to investigate the effect of cooling rates on the sensor performance. However, the experimental results show that 10 mm LPFG sensor with grating period of 400 µm offer temperature sensitivity of 1.5 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times and 3.5 times higher than bare LPFG for Ti-coated LPFG, Pd-coated LPFG, Ag-coated LPFG, Al-coated LPFG and In-coated LPFG respectively. The maximum measuring error is less than ±0.5℃, which confirms the effectively using of LPFG sensor in cryogenic application. Moreover, the overall resonance wavelength shifts are 1.213 nm, 1.532 nm, 1.935 nm, 2.015 nm, 2.397 nm and 2.671 for bare LPFG, Ti-coated LPFG, Pd-coated LPFG, Ag-coated LPFG, Al-coated LPFG and In-coated LPFG sensors respectively. According to the cooling rates, the results illustrate that as cooling rate increase, the sensor sensitivity decrease due to the sensor response. For more investigations, simulation work is carried out using MATLAB and the sensor shows a good agreement results between experimental and simulation measurements. It is worth to mention that the main findings will essentially contribute to choose suitable materials for coating LPFG for low temperature sensing purposes and will increase the existing knowledge about optical fiber sensor applications.

Heat treatment and polymer coating effect on Rayleigh scattering based fiber optic temperature measurement

This study experimentally investigates the effect of heat treatment on Rayleigh scattering based distributed single-mode fiber optic temperature measurement. A finite element model was established to investigate the effect of thermal expansion of coatings on the optical fiber core strains and thus, temperature sensitivity before the coatings soften and melt away. A theoretical derivation for the fiber core strains, using Lame equations, was performed to validate the accuracy of the finite element model. It was found that the one-time heat treatment eliminates the hysteresis effect and stabilizes the Rayleigh scattering based fiber optic temperature measurement up to 1000 °C. The typical dual-layer coating effect on the temperature sensitivity of the Rayleigh frequency shift can be neglected at high temperatures in civil engineering application. Numerical parametric studies are performed to design coatings of fiber optic temperature sensors. The present study is promoting distributed fiber optic temperature sensor development and application.

Low temperature characteristics of FBG with free arc shape for low temperature monitoring

It is important to monitor the iced condition for operating wind turbine blades. However, most sensors are difficult to be used in this quite cold and lightweight environment. Although the fiber bragg grating (FBG) is a good candidate for the case. With the change of the temperature, the thermal expansion coefficient and thermo-optical coeffecient of FBG material will affect the accuracy of characteristics of FBG sensor. Aiming at the application of fiber optic sensor in low temperature environment and ultrathin requirement, the low temperature characteristics of FBG sensor with free arc shape package has been studied. The low temperature calibration experiments of two packaged FBG samples are tested from -35°C ~20°C in a constant temperature freezer with alcohol tank. The effects of low temperature characteristics of two FBGs packaged with free straight and arc shape tubes are compared. The results show that arc shape can effectively reduce the repeatability error and improve its accuracy due to providing possible low temperature contracting of the optical fibers. Flat arc shape makes it possible to package ultrathin FBG temperature sensor.