Advanced Demodulation in Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing: A Review of Backscattering and UWFBG-Based Technologies

Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) has emerged as a critical technology for structural health monitoring of large-scale infrastructure, offering unique advantages in terms of coverage and environmental adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the two dominant technical routes: fully distributed sensing based on intrinsic backscattering and massive-capacity sensing based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) networks. For backscattering-based systems-encompassing Raman, Brillouin, and Rayleigh scattering-the inherent trade-offs among signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spatial resolution, and sensing range constitute major performance bottlenecks. This review systematically summarizes advanced demodulation and signal processing strategies designed to overcome these physical barriers, including pulse coding sequences, chaotic laser compressed correlation, and deep learning-enhanced noise reduction algorithms. In parallel, for UWFBG-based technologies, the evolution from traditional multiple-point fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array to quasi-distributed and fully distributed UWFBG network is discussed. This review highlights key breakthroughs in achieving high spatial resolution and high-speed interrogation through hybrid multiplexing, aliased spectrum reconstruction, and dispersion-based demodulation techniques. By synthesizing recent advances in modulation schemes, detection hardware, and algorithmic processing, this paper outlines the trajectory of DFOS technologies toward high-precision, long-distance, and real-time sensing networking.