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Fiber Optic Distributed Sensors for High-resolution Temperature Field Mapping
Published on: November 7, 2016
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Distributed strain and temperature sensing over 100 km using tunable-wavelength OTDR based on MEMS filters.
Applied Optics
|May 13, 2021
Summary
This study demonstrates wide-range strain and temperature measurements in 100 km optical fibers using a tunable-wavelength low-coherence optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR). The system achieves a 1000 µɛ strain or 110°C temperature range with 1m resolution.
Area of Science:
- Fiber optic sensing
- Metrology
- Optical instrumentation
Background:
- Distributed sensing systems are crucial for monitoring large-scale infrastructure.
- Existing methods often face limitations in range, resolution, or measurement capabilities.
- Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) offers a promising approach for long-distance measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate distributed, wide-range strain and temperature measurements in a 100 km optical fiber.
- To achieve high spatial resolution and a broad measurement range using advanced OTDR techniques.
- To validate the effectiveness of specific amplification and filtering methods for long-haul fiber sensing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tunable-wavelength low-coherence optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR).
- Employed two synchronously tuned narrowband microelectromechanical system (MEMS) spectral filters.
- Incorporated Raman amplification and remotely pumped erbium-doped fiber segments for signal enhancement.
- Achieved a spatial resolution of approximately 1 meter.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated distributed strain and temperature measurements over a 100 km optical fiber.
- Achieved a measurement range of 1000 µɛ for strain.
- Equivalent temperature measurement range demonstrated up to 110°C.
- Single measurement time was 10 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The developed tunable-wavelength low-coherence OTDR system enables effective distributed sensing over extended fiber lengths.
- The combination of MEMS filters and optical amplification significantly enhances measurement range and performance.
- This technology offers a viable solution for precise, long-distance strain and temperature monitoring.
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