Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis Research Articles

Real-Time Distributed Strain Monitoring of a Railway Bridge during Train Passage by Using a Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor Based on Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis

This study demonstrates the monitoring of distributed strain of rail and girder of a railway bridge occurring during train passage over the bridge’s entire section on a real-time basis by applying a developed distributed optical fiber sensor based on Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis (BOCDA). The distributed optical fiber sensor system and an algorithm to control as well as to analyze Brillouin gain spectrum signals were also developed. A single-mode optical fiber was attached in the longitudinal direction on the rail and the lower flange of the girder to be used as a sensing fiber of the BOCDA system. Changes in the girder’s strain at the center point of the bridge during the passage of a commercial train were measured at 9 Hz, and the accuracy of this measurement was validated by comparing the measured data with the data from strain gauge. In addition, the distributed strain of a girder and the rail with a length of 40.26 m was measured in real time with a spatial resolution of 31.1 cm. Based on the results of the rail’s strain distribution, the study could identify the location where excessive strain occurred due to an influence of unsupported sleepers on girder of the bridge.

Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis with more than 1 million effective sensing points based on differential measurement.

Large increase of effective sensing points in Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA) is achieved by simultaneously applying double modulation and optical time gate based on differential measurement scheme. The noise substructure of Brillouin gain spectrum induced by the double modulation is effectively suppressed by the differential measurement, leading to 2,000 times enlargement of the measurement range. Distributed strain and temperature sensing along a 10.5 km fiber with spatial resolution of less than 1 cm is experimentally demonstrated which corresponds to over 1 million effective sensing points.

5,000 points/s high-speed random accessibility for dynamic strain measurement at arbitrary multiple points along a fiber by Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis

We demonstrate dynamic strain measurement at arbitrary multiple points along a fiber simultaneously using random accessibility of a Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis system with a 5,000 points/s sampling rate. A voltage-controlled oscillator is introduced for faster sweeping of the probe wave frequency to obtain the Brillouin gain spectrum. A higher-speed lock-in amplifier is also used for data detection. Several patterns of dynamic strain applied at five points selected arbitrarily along the fiber are measured simultaneously at a 5,000 points/s sampling rate with random accessibility. This is the highest speed of random accessibility reported so far in Brillouin-based distributed fiber sensors.

Residual strain sensor using Al-packaged optical fiber and Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis.

We propose a distributed residual strain sensor that uses an Al-packaged optical fiber for the first time. The residual strain which causes Brillouin frequency shifts in the optical fiber was measured using Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis with 2 cm spatial resolution. We quantified the Brillouin frequency shifts in the Al-packaged optical fiber by the tensile stress and compared them for a varying number of Al layers in the optical fiber. The Brillouin frequency shift of an optical fiber with one Al layer had a slope of 0.038 MHz/με with respect to tensile stress, which corresponds to 78% of that for an optical fiber without Al layers. After removal of the stress, 87% of the strain remained as residual strain. When different tensile stresses were randomly applied, the strain caused by the highest stress was the only one detected as residual strain. The residual strain was repeatedly measured for a time span of nine months for the purpose of reliability testing, and there was no change in the strain except for a 4% reduction, which is within the error tolerance of the experiment. A composite material plate equipped with our proposed Al-packaged optical fiber sensor was hammered for impact experiment and the residual strain in the plate was successfully detected. We suggest that the Al-packaged optical fiber can be adapted as a distributed strain sensor for smart structures, including aerospace structures.

Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis with 4 millimeter resolution based on amplified spontaneous emission.

A new technique for Brillouin scattering-based, distributed fiber-optic measurements of temperature and strain is proposed, analyzed, simulated, and demonstrated. Broadband Brillouin pump and signal waves are drawn from the filtered amplified spontaneous emission of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, providing high spatial resolution. The reconstruction of the position-dependent Brillouin gain spectra along 5 cm of a silica single-mode fiber under test, with a spatial resolution of 4 mm, is experimentally demonstrated using a 25 GHz-wide amplified spontaneous emission source. A 4 mm-long localized hot spot is identified by the measurements. The uncertainty in the reconstruction of the local Brillouin frequency shift is ± 1.5 MHz. The single correlation peak between the pump and signal is scanned along a fiber under test using a mechanical variable delay line. The analysis of the expected spatial resolution and the measurement signal-to-noise ratio is provided. The measurement principle is supported by numerical simulations of the stimulated acoustic field as a function of position and time. Unlike most other Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis configurations, the proposed scheme is not restricted by the bandwidth of available electro-optic modulators, microwave synthesizers, or pattern generators. Resolution is scalable to less than one millimeter in highly nonlinear media.

Spatial Resolution Improvement in Correlation Domain Distributed Measurement of Brillouin Grating

We have demonstrated that intensity modulation enhances the spatial resolution in the distributed measurement of Brillouin dynamic grating (BDG) spectrum by the Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis. According to the correlation domain principle, the stimulated Brillouin scattering is localized in so-called correlation peaks, but these peaks actually have side lobes, which excite the BDG out of the peak region, compromising the spatial resolution in the BDG spectrum measurement. To solve this, we applied intensity modulation to apodize the optical power spectrum of the input lightwave to the system, suppressing the side lobes. We experimentally confirmed about 4.5 times improvement in the spatial resolution. A 25-cm-long stressed segment in a 500-m-long fiber was successfully recognized in the proposed system, which could not be achieved by a system without the intensity modulation.

Linearly configured BOCDA system using a differential measurement scheme

We experimentally demonstrate a linearly configured Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA) system enhanced by a differential measurement scheme. On-off control of the pump phase modulation with an intentional loss at the end of a fiber under test is applied for the acquisition of a Brillouin gain spectrum. This application leads to a four-fold enhancement of the spatial resolution and doubling of the measurement range in comparison with the former system under the same modulation parameters.

Brillouin optical correlation analysis system using a simplified frequency-modulated time division method

A time-division Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis system was successfully achieved using simplified laser diode (LD) modulation and pump lightwave optimization. A complicated transfer function for a precise output waveform of a LD was required for the conventional system. However, a very simple modulation function gave a power output very close to a required ideal rectangle waveform without sacrificing optical output spectrum. An electrical input waveform applied into a gate in the pump lightwave path was also optimized for eliminating a probe lightwave included in a pump lightwave and for passing consecutive pump pulses alternatively. So the stimulated Brillouin scattering gain was attained without seriously distorting FM modulation, and the targeted spatial resolution was clearly accomplished. Additionally, using high speed response of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), unlike an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), the possibility was investigated that an SOA was going to replace an EDFA and a modulator used as a gate in the same time.

Range Elongation of Distributed Discrimination of Strain and Temperature in Brillouin Optical Correlation-Domain Analysis Based on Dual Frequency Modulations

A scheme of dual frequency modulations are proposed for one-laser Brillouin optical correlation-domain distributed discrimination of strain and temperature. A lower frequency modulation is additionally applied to the laser source, which is originally modulated by a higher one for distributed generation and detection of Brillouin dynamic grating. This scheme can suppress the unwanted correlation peaks due to the higher frequency modulation so as to elongate the measurement range with keeping the high spatial resolution. In this experiment, the measurement range is increased from <formula formulatype="inline" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex Notation="TeX">${\sim}{5}$</tex></formula> to 34 m with the spatial resolution maintained to be 10 cm.

Extension of measurement range in Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis by pump-probe switching

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel method for the extension of the measurement range in Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis by switching the pump and probe waves for selectively inducing the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the sensing fiber. In this scheme, two correlation peaks are located in the sensing fiber and SBS is alternatively induced at each position by pump/probe selective switching and optical attenuation. In the experiment, twice enlargement of measurement range is successfully achieved with 146-m fiber with a 10-cm spatial resolution.

Application of Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis for crack identification in concrete structure

This paper investigates the application of distributed optical fiber strain sensors to civil engineering structures, because no other tool can satisfactorily detect the location of the unpredictable phenomenon. In fact, the locations of cracks in the concrete structure are unknown a priori; therefore, a fully distributed sensor is necessary to detect them. The Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA), which offers high spatial resolution by using stimulated Brillouin scattering along the whole length of the optical fiber, is used in a wide range of civil engineering applications, and the same has undergone significant development over the last decade. In this paper, it is demonstrated how a BOCDA-based strain sensor can be employed to monitor cracks in concrete. Crack monitoring on the surface of the concrete member provides useful information for evaluating stiffness and durability of the structure, particularly for early detection of tiny cracks, which is essential for preventing crack growth and dispersion. The crack-induced strain distribution was analytically investigated, and it was proved that BOCDA can identify even a small crack before its visual recognition by a beam test. Moreover, periodical crack monitoring was successfully executed on a pedestrian deck for five years.

Fiber distributed Brillouin sensing with optical correlation domain techniques

Fiber distributed Brillouin sensing is discussed, focusing mainly on optical correlation domain techniques. By synthesizing a delta-function like optical coherence function between pump and probe lightwave traveling along an optical fiber in opposite directions, which is realized by modulating laser source frequency by an appropriate waveform, stimulated Brillouin scattering can be selectively excited at one specific position along the fiber. The selected position can easily be swept by changing the modulation frequency, so the distributed measurement can be achieved. In the system, Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis (BOCDA), the position to be measured can be selected randomly along the fiber, which is a special feature of the system. Spatial resolution of 1.6mm and measurement speed of 1000samples/s have already been demonstrated. With a similar way, distribution of spontaneous Brillouin scattering can also be measured along the fiber. Spatial resolution of 10mm and measurement speed of 50samples/s have already been demonstrated in the system, Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Reflectometry (BOCDR). Brillouin dynamic grating (BDG), which is acoustic-wave generated refractive-index grating caused in the stimulated Brillouin scattering process, was found to cause a Bragg reflection for the orthogonally polarized lightwave in an polarization maintaining fiber. By measuring both the BDG and the Brillouin scattering, discriminative distributed measurement of strain and temperature has been realized by the BOCDA scheme with a 10mm spatial resolution.

Development of the Damage Detection Method for CFRP Structures Using Distributed BOCDA Optical Fiber Sensor

The Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA) technology is one of the distributed optical sensing technologies utilizing the Brillouin scattering phenomena. The authors are developing, verifying and validating this technology. They are also developing the installation technique of optical fiber sensors, evaluating the durability of the BOCDA system and manufacturing the new device compatible to avionics bays for size. Furthermore, the authors are also improving the monitoring ability for composite damages. This paper reports the developmental status of the BOCDA monitoring ability for composite damages such as debonding at adhesive joints and micro-damages at bolted joints. First, debonding detection tests were conducted using carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) stiffened or repaired panels. In this test, test plates with a sheet stringer or a repair patch were applied tension load, and expanding of debonding areas was monitored by measuring strain distribution changes near these areas. Second, bearing damage detection tests were conducted using CFRP bolted joint specimens. In this test, multi-fastener single-lap CFRP specimens were applied tension load, and occurrences of micro-damages near bolt holes was detected. Micro-damages were detected by monitoring shapes changes of the Brillouin Gain Spectrum, which is one of the BOCDA measurement results.

Distributed Strain Monitoring for Damage Evolution in CFRP Bolted Structures with Embedded Optical Fibers

The authors proposed fiber-optic-based damage monitoring of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) bolted joints. Optical fibers were embedded along bolt holes and strain change along the optical fiber induced by internal damage was measured by a Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis (BOCDA), which is a high spatial resolution distributed strain sensing system. This study began by investigating damage modes of CFRP bolted joints after bearing failure. Effective embedding positions of optical fibers were then proposed and their feasibility was evaluated by finite element analysis simulating the damage propagation in the bolted joint and consequent strain change. Finally, verification tests were conducted using specimens with embedded optical fibers at various positions. It was clearly shown that damage could be detected using residual strain due to fiber-microbuckling (kinking) damage or permanent deformation of neighboring plies. Furthermore, damage size and direction could be estimated from the change in the strain distribution. The system developed is quite useful for a first inspection of large-scale composite structures in aerospace applications.

Characterized Brillouin scattering in silica optical fiber tapers based on Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis

This paper demonstrates stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) characterization in silica optical fiber tapers drawn from commercial single mode optical fibers by hydrogen flame. They have different waist diameters downscaled from 5 μm to 42 μm. The fully-distributed SBS measurement along the fiber tapers is implemented by Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis technique with millimeter spatial resolution. It is found that the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) in the waist of all fiber tapers is approximately the same (i.e., ~11.17 GHz at 1550 nm). However, the BFS is gradually reduced and the Brillouin gain decreases from the waist to the untapered zone in each fiber taper.

基于布里渊增益和损耗级联的高性能布里渊相干域分布式光纤传感系统

基于布里渊增益和损耗级联的高性能布里渊相干域分布式光纤传感系统

Binary amplitude shift keying based signal processing for brillouin optical correlation domain analysis

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel binary amplitude shift keying (BASK) based signal processing for Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis with better noise performance. To subtract the background noise substructure from the conventional, broadened Brillouin signal, this method utilizes the presence of two sidebands, leading to a fourfold improvement of the spatial resolution compared to that of an ordinary BOCDA system with the same modulation parameters.

Differential measurement scheme for Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis

We newly propose and experimentally demonstrate a differential measurement scheme for Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis, where the difference between Brillouin gain spectra constructed by a normal and a phase-modulated Brillouin pump waves are analyzed to measure local Brillouin frequencies in optical fibers. In experiments, a five-fold enhancement in the spatial resolution is obtained compared to an ordinary BOCDA system under the same modulation parameters, as a result of the improved dynamic range by the suppression of background noises.

Measurement Range Enlargement in Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis Using Multiple Correlation Peaks

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a method for extension of measurement range in a Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis sensor system without resolution deterioration. In the experiment, a 300 m measurement range with about 8 cm spatial resolution was successfully obtained by cascading three different kinds of fibers as a sensing element.

Bidirectional measurement for Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a bidirectional measurement for Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis as a novel and simple way of the performance enhancement. Brillouin gain and loss spectra of two adjacent correlation peaks are simultaneously and independently analyzed by applying midpoint attenuation in a fiber under test, which doubles both the speed and the range of the distributed measurement.