Gecko-inspired self-adhesive packaging for strain-free temperature sensing based on optical fibre Bragg gratings

The large development of fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) over decades has made this kind of structures one of the most mature optical fibre sensing technologies existing today, demonstrating key features for a very wide range of applications. FBG sensors are fragile and must be normally protected for real-field applications, although challenging packaging designs are required to mitigate temperature-strain cross-sensitivity issues. Here, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) packaging with a microarray structure that provides gecko-inspired dry adhesion is proposed for strain-free FBG-based temperature sensing. Besides offering protection, the PDMS packaging with an embedded polyamide capillary damps the mechanical strain transferred to the optical fibre, providing FBG-based temperature sensing with a negligible impact of strain. In addition, the microarray structure imprinted on one surface of the packaging provides gecko-inspired dry adhesion based on van der Waals forces. This feature enables the packaged optical fibre sensor to be attached and detached dynamically to nearly any kind of smooth surface, leaving no residuals in the monitored structure. Experimental results verify a fast and accurate temperature response of the sensor with highly mitigated impact of residual strain. The proposed packaged sensor can be used in application where glue is not allowed nor recommendable to be used.