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Strain measurement with adaptive local feature extraction method based on special fiber OFDR system
Optics Express
|March 5, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a backscattering enhanced optical fiber for optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to improve strain sensing. The new method enables faster and more accurate large strain measurements with enhanced signal quality.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical fiber distributed strain sensors using optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) are crucial for high-resolution, short-distance measurements in fields like biomedical treatment and soft robotics.
- Traditional methods struggle with precise and rapid demodulation of large strain changes due to weak Rayleigh backscattered signals (RBS) in single-mode fibers (SMF) and complex computations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel OFDR system utilizing backscattering enhanced optical fiber (BEOF) for fast and large strain measurement.
- To enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and expand the strain measurement range beyond traditional limitations.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of a backscattering enhanced optical fiber (BEOF) to amplify the Rayleigh backscattered signal (RBS).
- Introduction of an adaptive local feature extraction and matching (ALFEM) algorithm to replace conventional cross-correlation methods for strain demodulation.
- Experimental validation with a BEOF enhancement ratio of 10, achieving a spatial resolution of 400µm.
Main Results:
- The BEOF significantly improved the SNR, leading to higher signal similarity and an expanded strain measurement range up to 4800µɛ.
- The ALFEM algorithm demonstrated effectiveness, reducing strain demodulation time to approximately 25% of traditional methods.
- Achieved a spatial resolution of 400µm, showcasing the system's capability for precise measurements.
Conclusions:
- The proposed OFDR system with BEOF and ALFEM algorithm offers a significant advancement for fast and large strain measurements.
- This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional methods, providing enhanced precision, speed, and measurement range.
- The developed scheme is adaptable for various BEOF types, strain variations, and sensing distances.
