Fiber Optic Technology Research Articles

Research of Optical Fiber Sensing Technology in Bridge Detection

Fiber optic sensing technology is a new type of detection technology that realizes information transmission through total reflection of light and photoelectric conversion. It has been used in the fields of medicine, military, communication, transportation, industrial control, scientific research, etc., especially in the field of bridges for decades.This paper summarizes the research status of optical fiber sensing technology and optical fiber in bridge detection, and reviews the application of optical fiber in bridge detection. First, this paper introduce the optical fiber technology, its working principle and application advantages. Secondly, the feasibility of optical fiber sensing technology in bridge detection is demonstrated through concrete application cases. It includes the detection of bridge structure and the detection of bridge material structure. Through the optical fiber sensing technology, this paper can detect the hidden dangers of the bridge in a timely and non-destructive manner Finally, this paper prospect the future development of optical fiber technology in the field of bridge detection.

Optical Fiber Technology for Efficient Daylighting and Thermal Control: A Sustainable Approach for Buildings

Different direct solar harvesting systems for daylighting are being explored to achieve high uniform illumination deep within buildings at minimal cost. A promising solution to make these systems cost-effective is the use of plastic optical fibers (POFs). However, heat-related issues with low-cost POFs need to be addressed for the widespread adoption of efficient daylighting technologies. Previous studies have explored solutions for this overheating problem, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study proposes a low-cost fiber optic daylighting system integrated with a newly patented mechanical component designed to secure the fiber optic bundle at the focal point, providing three levels of heat filtration while ensuring uniform illumination. Our methodology involves selecting a small area, installing the setup, and measuring both heat and light readings, followed by validation through software simulations. The operational principle of this technology is explained, and experimental tests using lux meters and infrared thermometers were conducted to investigate the system’s characteristics. The three-level heat filtration device reduces temperature by approximately 35 °C at the surface of the optical fiber, and the average illumination of the room is around 400 lux. These results were further verified using RELUX simulation software. The findings demonstrate the promising potential of this new device in solar heat filtration and achieving uniform illumination. Recommendations for mitigating overheating damage and exploring heat filtering possibilities in new parabolic solar daylighting systems for further research are also provided.

Optical Fiber‐Based Wearable Sensors for Remote Health Monitoring [Invited

AbstractThe wearable optical fiber sensors have demonstrated significant promise in the realm of health monitoring in recent times. These sensors utilize the flexibility and exceptional sensitivity of optical fibers to precisely measure many physiological aspects of the human body, including heart rate, breathing rate, mobility status, and body temperature. Optical fiber sensors usually have good biocompatibility and anti‐interference capabilities, can be integrated into flexible materials, and are suitable for long‐term wear. It can be integrated into clothing, patches, or accessories to provide continuous, real‐time health data monitoring, providing important support for personalized medicine and remote health management. This paper primarily presents the fundamental operating concept of wearable optical fiber sensors and their use in monitoring physiological signals across multiple domains. In conclusion, this paper provides a summary of the limitations and future prospects of wearable fiber sensors using optical fiber technology.

Development and in situ application of actively heated fiber Bragg grating cable for soil water content measurement

The actively heated fiber-optic (AHFO) technology has emerged as a frontier and hotspot in soil water content measurement, offering advantages such as easy installation, large-scale distributed measurement capability, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. However, current AHFO water content sensors fail to simultaneously achieve high precision, applicability for deep soil, and automated real-time monitoring, thereby limiting their development and application. Therefore, this study introduces a novel actively heated fiber Bragg grating (AH-FBG) cable. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the heating uniformity of the AH-FBG cable and to establish the temperature characteristic value (Tt) – soil water content (θ) calibration formula for water content measurement. Subsequently, AH-FBG cables were deployed for in situ soil water content monitoring in a test pit on the Loess Plateau. Through two-year monitoring data verified the accuracy of the AH-FBG cable and elucidated the spatiotemporal distribution of in situ loess water content. Laboratory results demonstrated superior heating uniformity of AH-FBG cable, with a Tt standard deviation of approximately 0.3 °C. In the field, the AH-FBG cable exhibited excellent performance in soil water content measurement, achieving a high accuracy of 0.023 cm3/cm3. Further analysis revealed that the θ fluctuation predominantly occurred within a 10 m depth from the soil surface, with an overall upward trend over the two-year monitoring period; the response of shallow θ to precipitation was significant but exhibited increasing hysteresis with depth; frequent precipitation significantly enhanced water infiltration depth. This study provides technical guidance for high-precision, quasi-distributed, automated and real-time water content measurement of deep soil.

Efficient Light Coupling and Propagation in Fiber Optic Systems

This study explores the propagation of light in optical fibers, focusing on the fundamental principles and practical implications for fiber optic technologies. By analyzing the wave equation, the research demonstrates that light propagates as cylindrical waves within the fiber, contrasting with spherical waves in free space. The study highlights the significance of Gaussian beams, particularly from helium-neon lasers, finding a beam waist radius of approximately 12.6 μm and its position about 1.25 μm from the focus. These parameters are critical for optimizing laser beam coupling into the fiber. The research also measures the light transit time through a 100-meter fiber, revealing a light speed of approximately 2×108 m/sec, which is influenced by the fiber's refractive index. Additionally, the relationship between diode laser output power and injection current was investigated, demonstrating a linear correlation crucial for practical applications. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate measurements and configuration in improving fiber optic communication and laser performance. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of optical fiber systems, contributing to advancements in communication and laser technologies.

Research on prediction method of coal mining surface subsidence based on MMF optimization model

Coal seam mining causes fracture and movement of overlying strata in goaf, and endangers the safety of surface structures and underground pipelines. Based on the engineering geological conditions of 22,122 working face in Cuncaota No.2 Coal Mine of China Shenhua Shendong Coal Group Co., Ltd. a similar material model test of mining overburden rock was carried out. The subsidence of overburden rock was obtained through the full-section strain data of distributed optical fiber technology, and the characteristics of mining surface subsidence were studied. The Weibull model was used to adjust the mathematical form of the first half of the surface subsidence curve via the MMF function. On this basis, the prediction model of coal seam mining surface subsidence was established, and the parameters of the prediction model of surface subsidence were determined. The test results show that with the advancement of coal seam mining, the fit goodness of the surface subsidence prediction curve based on the MMF optimization model reaches 0.987. Compared with the measured values, the relative error of the surface subsidence prediction model is reduced to less than 10%. The model displays good prediction accuracy. The time required for settlement stability in the prediction model is positively correlated with parameter a and negatively correlated with parameter b. The research results can be further extended to the prediction of overburden “three zones” subsidence, and provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of surface subsidence compression potential in coal mine goaf.

Chitosan-coated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles and tungsten disulfide quantum dots-immobilized Fiber-based WaveFlex Biosensor for Staphylococcus Aureus bacterial detection in real food samples

The research proposes and investigates an extraordinarily sensitive, label-free WaveFlex biosensor utilizing optical fiber technology for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a common foodborne bacterium. The WaveFlex biosensor (plasmon Wave based Flexible optical fiber Biosensor) is based on a novel flexible tapered single-mode fiber structure, utilizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to trigger the phenomenon of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Additionally, the sensitivity is further enhanced using chitosan-coated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4–CS NPs) and tungsten disulfide quantum dots (WS2-QDs). The optical fiber surface is functionalized with antibodies to achieve specific detection of S. aureus. For S. aureus concentrations at 1 × 108 CFU/mL (colony-forming units per milliliter), the sensor's maximum sensitivity of 2.74 nm/lg (CFU/mL), and a detection limit (LOD) of 6.67 CFU/mL. This ultra-sensitive biosensor holds great potential for widespread applications in various fields, including disease detection, medical diagnostics, and food safety inspection.

Nonlinearity-suppressed micro-probe fiber optic interferometer for accurate long-range displacement measurements

Fiber-optic interferometry technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. However, accurate measurement of the displacement over long ranges remains a challenge. This study reveals that fiber interferometers with Fabry–Perot cavities experience non-elliptic multi-order nonlinear errors due to parasitic interference, leading to nonlinearity correction failures in the case of reflectivity mismatch. We proposes a nonlinearity-suppressed microprobe fiber interferometer to measure long-range displacement with high accuracy. The proposed microprobe interferometer structurally avoids non-elliptic nonlinearities from higher-order harmonics and ensures the effectiveness of the nonlinearity correction method. Moreover, we optimized the micro-sensing probe parameters based on an established multimedia transmission interference model to further improve the measurement accuracy of long-range displacement. Nonlinear errors are reduced from 2.3 nm to 0.92 nm in the application range 0–700 mm. The findings of this study demonstrate that the proposed nonlinearity-suppressed microprobe fiber interferometer is suitable for sub-nanometer accuracy measurements over displacements of several hundred millimeters, especially in limited-space scenarios. It has great potential for industries seeking breakthroughs in long-range displacement measurement, such as robotics, medical devices and manufacturing.

Dynamical investigation of the perturbed Chen–Lee–Liu model with conformable fractional derivative

Abstract This study focuses on the investigation of the perturbed Chen–Lee–Liu model with conformable fractional derivative by the implementation of the generalized projective Riccati equations technique. The proposed method uses symbolic computations to provide a dynamic and powerful mathematical tool for addressing the governing model and yielding significant results. Numerous analytical solutions of the governing model, including bell-shaped soliton solutions, anti-kink soliton solutions, periodic solitary wave solutions and other solutions, have been constructed effectively utilizing this effective technique. The findings acquired from the governing model utilizing the suggested technique demonstrate that all results are novel and presented for the first time in this study. Solitons are of immense significance in the domain of nonlinear optics due to their inherent ability to preserve their shape and velocity during propagation. The study of the propagation and the dynamical behaviour of the derived results have been explored by representing them graphically through 3D, density, and contour plots with different selections of arbitrary parameter values. The solitons acquired from the proposed model can provide significant advantages in the field of fiber-optic transmission technology. The obtained results demonstrate that the suggested approach is extremely promising, straightforward, and efficient. Furthermore, this approach may be effectively used in numerous emerging nonlinear models found in the fields of applied sciences and engineering.

Characterizing stochastic solitons behavior in (3+1)-dimensional Schrödinger equation with Cubic–Quintic nonlinearity using improved modified extended tanh-function scheme

An extended version of (3+1)-dimensional non-linear Schrödinger equation that has a cubic–quintic nonlinear component under the stochastic effects is examined in this investigation. Several stochastic exact solutions of this model is acquired through the application of the improved modified extended tanh-function scheme (IMETFS). This method offers a practical and effective approach to finding precise solutions to several kinds of nonlinear partial differential equations. In addition, these solutions include stochastic soliton solutions (bright, singular, combo dark-singular), and exact solution such as singular periodic, Jacobi elliptic function, Weierstrass elliptic doubly periodic solution, rational, and exponential functions. Since it is the first study of its sort to examine multiplicative white noise’s impacts in this particular setting, it offers fresh insights and innovative research approaches for the field’s future studies. The work adds much to our understanding of soliton theory and how it relates to optical fiber technology while illuminating hitherto unknown facets of multiplicative white noise. To illustrate the impact of the noise, a few recovered solutions with varying noise strengths are given graphically as examples.

A 1 × 8 Optical Splitter Based on Polycarbonate Multicore Polymer Optical Fibers.

Visible light communication (VLC) is becoming more relevant due to the accelerated advancement of optical fibers. Polymer optical fiber (POF) technology appears to be a solution to the growing demand for improved transmission efficiency and high-speed data rates in the visible light range. However, the VLC system requires efficient splitters with low power losses to expand the optical energy capability and boost system performance. To solve this issue, we propose an effective 1 × 8 optical splitter based on multicore polycarbonate (PC) POF technology suitable for functioning in the green-light spectrum at a 530 nm wavelength. The new design is based on replacing 23 air-hole layers with PC layers over the fiber length, while each PC layer length is suitable for the light coupling of the operating wavelength, which allows us to set the right size of each PC layer between the closer PC cores. To achieve the best result, the key geometrical parameters were optimized through RSoft Photonics CAD suite software that utilized the beam propagation method (BPM) and analysis using MATLAB script codes for finding the tolerance ranges that can support device fabrication. The results show that after a light propagation of 2 mm, an equally green light at a 530 nm wavelength is divided into eight channels with very low power losses of 0.18 dB. Additionally, the splitter demonstrates a large bandwidth of 25 nm and stability with a tolerance range of ±8 nm around the operated wavelength, ensuring robust performance even under laser drift conditions. Furthermore, the splitter can function with 80% and above of the input signal power around the operated wavelength, indicating high efficiency. Therefore, the proposed device has a great potential to boost sensing detection applications, such as Raman spectroscopic and bioengineering applications, using the green light.

Roadmap on specialty optical fibers

Abstract Optical fibers, long an enabling technology for telecommunications, are proving to play a central role in a growing number of modern applications, starting from high speed broad band internet to medical surgery and entering across the entire spectrum of scientific, military, industrial and commercial applications. Specialty optical fibers either special waveguide structure or novel material composition becomes heart of all fiber based advanced photonics devices and components. This rapidly evolving field calls on the expertise and skills of a broad set of different disciplines: materials science, ceramic engineering, optics, electrical engineering, physics, polymer chemistry, and several others. This roadmap on specialty optical fibers addresses different technologies and application areas. It is constituted by fourteen contributions authored by world-leading experts, providing insight into the current state-of-the-art and the challenges their respective fields face. Some articles address the area of multimode fibers, including the nonlinear effects occurring in them. Several other articles are dedicated to doped, plastic, and soft-glass fibers. Large mode area fibers, hollow-core fibers, and nanostructured fibers are also described in different sections. The use of some of such fibers for optical amplification and to realize several kinds of optical sources - including lasers, single photon sources and supercontinuum sources - is described in some other sections. Different approaches to satisfy applications at visible, infrared and THz spectra regions are also discussed. Throughout the roadmap there is an attempt to foresee and to suggest future directions in this particularly dynamic area of optical fiber technology.

Enhancing IT Infrastructure with Fiber Optics: Revolutionizing Data Flow and Beyond

Fiber optics technology has emerged as a transformative solution in modern IT infrastructure, significantly enhancing data flow and other critical aspects of digital communication. This article explores the latest advancements in fiber optics and how they can be leveraged to improve IT infrastructure. By delving into the benefits of fiber optics, such as increased bandwidth, reduced latency, and improved security, this paper highlights how these technologies can revolutionize data transmission and overall IT operations.

Real-time monitoring of rock fracture by true triaxial test using fiber-optic strain monitoring in adjacent wells

The real-time monitoring of fracture propagation during hydraulic fracturing is crucial for obtaining a deeper understanding of fracture morphology and optimizing hydraulic fracture designs. Accurate measurements of key fracture parameters, such as the fracture height and width, are particularly important to ensure efficient oilfield development and precise fracture diagnosis. This study utilized the optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) technique in physical simulation experiments to monitor fractures during indoor true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments. The results indicate that the distributed fiber optic strain monitoring technology can efficiently capture the initiation and expansion of fractures. In horizontal well monitoring, the fiber strain waterfall plot can be used to interpret the fracture width, initiation location, and expansion speed. The fiber response can be divided into three stages: strain contraction convergence, strain band formation, and postshutdown strain rate reversal. When the fracture does not contact the fiber, a dual peak strain phenomenon occurs in the fiber and gradually converges as the fracture approaches. During vertical well monitoring in adjacent wells, within the effective monitoring range of the fiber, the axial strain produced by the fiber can represent the fracture height with an accuracy of 95.6% relative to the actual fracture height. This study provides a new perspective on real-time fracture monitoring. The response patterns of fiber-induced strain due to fractures can help us better understand and assess the dynamic fracture behavior, offering significant value for the optimization of oilfield development and fracture diagnostic techniques.

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.

Supermode lasing and light amplification in multicore bismuth-doped fiber

Multicore fibers are promising structures with specific light propagation properties, which can be managed to benefit several applications in optical communications, fiber lasers and amplifiers, high-resolution imaging, and fiber-based sensors. The current use of multicore fibers in laser technology is mainly focused on in-phase coherent beam combining in far-field regions (out-cavity) using bulk optical elements. However, this approach is challenging in terms of the power scalability of all-fiber lasers (intra-cavity), particularly with using low-gain media, where it is needed to provide mode-coupling (supermode propagation) stability along relatively long lengths. Here, we report a conceptual design and fabrication of a multicore bismuth-doped fiber that is capable of achieving light amplification and stable lasing in the E-telecom band inside the cavity using the supermode selection approach. By analysis of experimental and simulation data, it was found that the employment of the proposed design of a Bi-doped fiber provides a considerable advantage over the single-core fiber in terms of laser performance (output power, slope efficiency) in the cladding-pumped configuration. These results open up new opportunities for further advancement of the optical fiber technology towards efficient bismuth-doped fiber-integrated amplifiers and lasers for the O+E+S+C+L+U-telecom bands, which may find important applications, especially for the development of next-generation multiband optical transmission systems.

Exploring the impact of multiplicative white noise on novel soliton solutions with the perturbed Triki–Biswas equation

This study examines the effects of multiplicative white noise on soliton perturbations governed by the Triki–Biswas equation for the first time. Triki–Biswas equation advances research on ultrashort pulse propagation in optical fibers. It modifies the nonlinear Schrödinger equation to describe the behavior of femtosecond pulses more accurately in optical media, becoming a critical tool in the field. The paper employs two innovative methods, the enhanced direct algebraic method and the new projective Riccati equations method to uncover a broad range of soliton solutions, including bright, dark, and singular solitons. The solutions are expressed in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions and exhibit a transition to soliton-type solutions as the elliptic modulus approaches unity. This investigation is the first of its kind to explore the effects of multiplicative white noise within this context, providing new perspectives and methodologies for future research in the field. The study sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of multiplicative white noise and contributes significantly to the body of knowledge in soliton theory and its application to optical fiber technology.

Monopolar radiofrequency for dermal temperature regulation and remodeling: A porcine model study.

Noninvasive monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) is widely used for dermal and subdermal volumetric heating, yet detailed research on its effects on dermal temperature is scarce. This study evaluates the impact of NMRF on dermal temperature and its potential for dermal remodeling using a porcine model. Noninvasive monopolar radiofrequency was applied to porcine skin with temperature monitoring via optic fiber technology and forward-looking infrared thermal imaging. Safety was evaluated using nitro blue tetrazolium chloride assessments, and effectiveness was determined through histological examinations before and after treatment. Noninvasive monopolar radiofrequency treatment in a porcine model achieved effective dermal remodeling with no thermal damage, recording peak temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. Histological analysis showed increased collagen density, indicating successful tissue remodeling. Noninvasive monopolar radiofrequency is effective in delivering controlled dermal heating and enhancing collagen synthesis, promoting safe and efficient skin tightening and dermal remodeling in a porcine model. It presents a viable option for skin rejuvenation therapies.

Design and theoretical analysis of broadband bend-resistant low-loss hollow-core anti-resonant fiber

With the development of modern fiber-optic communication technology, bend-resistant low-loss fiber within the S+C+L bands is essential to meeting the requirements of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems, and a small-tube-added multi-nested hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (SM-HC-ARF) is proposed. In conventional double-nested HC-ARF, a pair of circular tubes are tangent to both the inner and outer tubes to form a multi-nested structure. A small tube is put in the gap between the nested structure to enhance the anti-resonance effect further. The influence of fiber structural parameters on transmission characteristics is analyzed by the finite element method combined with the perfect matching layer condition. The numerical results show that, in the range of 1460–1625 nm, the bending loss and the confinement loss are less than 1.17 (at a bending radius of 8 cm) and 0.80 dB/km, respectively. Specifically, at 1550 nm, the bending loss is 0.43 dB/km, and the confinement loss is 0.33 dB/km. The broadband anti-bending low-loss SM-HC-ARF can be expected to apply in the DWDM system and other optical communication technologies.

Development of an optode-type chloride ion sensor utilizing optical fiber with silver film

This study delves into the development and assessment of a new chloride ion sensor employing optical fiber technology. It investigates the response characteristics of Ag-coated optode sensors, with a specific focus on film thickness and concentration dependency. Experimental results indicate that while film thickness offers sensitivity advantages, they are susceptible to fluctuations and detachment, thereby impacting reliability. To address this, the study suggests methods for correcting intensity fluctuations and improving sensor performance through calibration curves and spectrum measurements. Moreover, experiments demonstrate potential for enhancing sensitivity and resolution at low concentrations. These results highlight the superiority of the optode sensor method over existing techniques, particularly in sensitivity and adaptability for chloride ion monitoring. The study significantly contributes to sensor technology advancement, offering improved precision and reliability for environmental monitoring and industrial process control.