Application of remote power-by-light switching in a simplified BOTDA sensor network

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Sensing Technology
• Telecommunications

Background:

• Distributed sensing networks are crucial for monitoring infrastructure.
• Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) is a key technology for distributed sensing.
• High costs can limit the deployment of extensive sensing networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate spatial multiplexing for cost reduction in BOTDA sensing networks.
• To demonstrate a novel scheme utilizing remote power-by-light switching for scanning multiple sensor branches.
• To present a simplified BOTDA unit configuration.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of spatial multiplexing using an optically powered optical switch.
• Remote powering of the switch using a Raman pump.
• Assembly of a proof-of-concept system with two 5-km BOTDA sensor fiber branches.
• Alternative configuration of the BOTDA interrogation unit.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of alternatively monitoring two remote 5-km sensor fiber branches.
• Validation of remote power-by-light switching for scanning capabilities.
• Proof of concept for cost reduction in distributed sensing networks.
• Demonstration of a simplified BOTDA setup.

Conclusions:

• Spatial multiplexing is an effective strategy for reducing the cost of distributed sensing networks.
• Remote power-by-light switching offers a viable solution for scanning multiple sensor branches efficiently.
• The proposed methods contribute to more accessible and simplified BOTDA sensing systems.