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Accurate strain sensing based on super-mode interference in strongly coupled multi-core optical fibres
Joel Villatoro1,2, Oskar Arrizabalaga3, Gaizka Durana3
1Department of Communications Engineering, Escuela de Ingeniería de Bilbao, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Alda. Urquijo s/n, E-48013, Bilbao, Spain. agustinjoel.villatoro@ehu.eus.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2017
Summary
We developed multi-core fibre (MCF) strain sensors for accurate measurements. These sensors are robust, suitable for high temperatures, and ready for commercial applications in structural health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Accurate strain sensing is crucial for structural health monitoring.
- Existing sensor technologies face limitations in high-temperature environments or cost-effectiveness.
- Multi-core fibres (MCFs) offer potential for novel sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of strongly-coupled core MCFs for strain sensing.
- To demonstrate the compatibility of MCF interferometers with standard optical communication components.
- To validate the performance of MCF strain sensors in laboratory and field conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MCF interferometers designed for mode matching with single-mode fibres.
- Interrogation of MCF interferometers using readily available optical communication tools.
- Calibration of sensors in a high-fidelity aerospace test laboratory.
- Field trials involving installation on a historical iron bridge.
Main Results:
- MCF interferometers demonstrated accurate strain sensing capabilities.
- Sensors performed reliably under deployment conditions in a real-world structure.
- The proposed MCF strain sensors show potential for commercial viability.
- MCF interferometers exhibit excellent performance at very high temperatures.
Conclusions:
- MCF strain sensors are a promising technology for structural health monitoring.
- The developed sensors are competitive with existing mature sensor technologies.
- High-temperature operation is a significant advantage for MCF-based sensors.
- Commercial applications are feasible due to performance and cost-effectiveness.
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