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- OTDR (18)
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In this thesis, an alternative approach to the well-known optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique is presented. A thorough analysis regarding distributed backscatter measurement in optical fibres is provided and its prospects for optical fibre sensing applications are demonstrated and discussed. The measurement approach is referred to as incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR): the frequency response of the fibre under test is measured and transferred into its time domain equivalent using inverse Fourier transform. This general technique has been studied and used for the measurement of nonlinear scattering effects in optical fibres. The requirements, limitations and prospects for general backscatter measurement, however, are different and have not been studied in detail prior to this work. Distributed sensing using Rayleigh scattering and reflective events in the fibre is first demonstrated using I-OFDR with remarkable measurement resolution. The incoherent detection technique allows for measuring singlemode fibres as well as multimode fibres. The first part of this work deals with the theoretical analysis and optimized implementation of the frequency domain approach. Necessary signal processing and its impact on the time domain response are presented. Sources of deviation from the linearity of the I-OFDR system are identified and an optimized laboratory setup is introduced; the crucial impact of the source coherence is thoroughly discussed. Suitable system parameters for the I-OFDR approach are defined: the system dynamic range and sensitivity are determined. A technique to suppress the dynamic range-limiting signal originating from strong reflections in the fibre is suggested. It is demonstrated that the I-OFDR technique has advantages over OTDR in terms of implementation for high-resolution measurement, measurement accuracy and signal stability. These advantages and measurement possibilities specific to the frequency domain approach are utilized for spatially resolved sensing applications in the second part of this work: A low optical loss polymer optical fibre (POF) is for the first time studied and analyzed for distributed strain sensing. The backscatter level dependence on strain in the fibre can be used to detect and locate strained fibre sections. Also, a correlation algorithm is proposed and demonstrated to measure length changes along the fibre with mm-resolution by correlating the typical backscatter signature of this fibre type. The fibre type is analyzed in detail regarding cross-sensitivities to temperature, relative humidity as well as mode propagation influences. The proposed sensing principles in combination with the highresolution I-OFDR allow for promising distributed sensing applications. Special interest is expressed by the structural health monitoring (SHM) sector since the fibre can measure strain values exceeding 100 %. Another sensing technique, specific to I-OFDR, is proposed for quasi-distributed and dynamic measurement of length changes and optical power changes at reflective events along the fibre. Precise calculation of the positions and reflected powers of multiple reflections can be conducted in parallel from the measurement of a few sampling points of the complex-valued frequency response. That allows for measuring with an increased repetition rate up to 2 kHz or at μm-scale length changes resolution at lower measurement frequencies. The approach is demonstrated in the laboratory and in a field application by measuring the deformation of a masonry building on a seismic shaking table. The I-OFDR exhibits competitive performance for general high-resolution backscatter measurement and the proposed optical fibre sensor principles may have promising prospects in the structural health monitoring (SHM) sector.
We propose to use focused femtosecond laser pulses to create scattering damage in standard singlemode optical fibres as reference points for quasi-distributed sensing applications. Such sensor fibres are interrogated with incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) technique and optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). A performance comparison of both techniques with the clear advantage of the I-OFDR is presented as well as a quasi-distributed length change measurement application. Also dynamic measurement based on the I-OFDR technique is demonstrated on a femtosecond laser-induced sensor chain.
Focused femtosecond laser pulses are used to create scattering damage in the core of polymer optical fibers (POF). The resulting structures are investigated regarding morphology by light microscopy and backscattered intensity using optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). Quasi-distributed optical fiber sensing is proposed by evaluating backscatter changes at the inscribed scatter centers. Application examples for quasi-distributed measurement of fiber bends and temperature are demonstrated.
Structural health monitoring by distributed fiber optic sensors embedded into technical textiles
(2012)
Technical textiles with embedded distributed fiber optic sensors have been developed for the purposes of structural health monitoring in geotechnical and civil engineering. The distributed fiber optic sensors are based on Brillouin scattering in silica optical fibers and OTDR in polymer optical fibers. Such 'smart' technical textiles are used for reinforcement of geotechnical and masonry structures. The embedded fiber optic sensors provide online information about the condition of the structure and about the occurrence and location of any damage or degradation.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technische Textilien mit integrierten faseroptischen Sensoren eröffnen neue Möglichkeiten der Zustandsüberwachung (structural health monitoring) in Geotechnik und Ingenieurbau. Die verteilt messenden Sensoren basieren auf der Brillouin-Streuung in Glasfasern und auf der OTDR in polymeroptischen Fasern. Derartige 'intelligente' technische Textilien werden in erster Line zur Verstärkung von geotechnischen Bauwerken und von Gebäuden genutzt. Die integrierten Sensoren liefern eine zeitnahe Information über den bestimmungsgemäßen Zustand des Bauwerks sowie über die Entstehung und den Ort von lokalen Bauwerksschäden.
This chapter summarizes the recent development in the relatively new and emerging field of structural health monitoring using polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors, also referred to as plastic optical fiber sensors. The extraordinary mechanical properties of POF in terms of strainability and ruggedness allows for measurement applications that could not or only insufficiently be solved with existing techniques. A great number of measurement parameters relevant for structural health monitoring applications, such as strain, displacement, crack width, vibrations or moisture can be measured with POF sensors. Numerous sensing principles have been proposed during the last 20 years and the most promising techniques and developments for SHM will be introduced. The focus is on the measurement of physical quantities for early damage detection and propagation, structural surveillance and analysis of dynamic processes.
A novel quasi-distributed long-gauge fiber optic strain sensor system for dynamic measurement
(2011)
We present a novel technique based on incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to measure length changes quasi-distributed between reflection points in optical fibres. The technique enables length changes to be measured with a resolution better than 1 µm and allows for static and dynamic measurement capabilities up to 2 kHz. We demonstrate that dynamic measurements of multiple fibre sections can be conducted independently from each other with high precision. Due to the precise and dynamic measurement capabilities, the proposed sensor system is expected to open new fields of application, especially in the structural-health-monitoring sector. Possible applications are discussed in the paper.
A dynamic and quasi-distributed sensor principle for simultaneous measurement of length changes and optical power changes between reflection points in an optical fiber is presented. The technique is based on the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR). Length change resolutions < 1 µm and measurement repetition rates up to 2 kHz can be achieved using standard single-mode and multi-mode optical fibers. Simultaneous length change and refractive index measurement as well as field test results showing the deformation of a masonry building under seismic load are presented. Promising fields of application for this technique are the structural health monitoring sector and chemical process control.
A dynamic and quasi-distributed sensor principle for simultaneous measurement of length changes and optical power changes between reflection points in an optical fiber is presented. The technique is based on the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR). The calculation of phase and amplitude changes from few measurement points in the frequency domain yields precise and dynamic length and optical power change results up to 2 kHz and μm-resolution. Test results showing the deformation of a masonry building under seismic load are presented. Promising fields of application for this technique are the structural health monitoring sector and chemical process control.
A novel quasi-distributed long-gauge fiber optic strain sensor system for dynamic measurement
(2011)
Application results of a dynamic technique for simultaneous measurement of length changes and optical power changes between multiple reflection points in an optical fiber are presented. The technique is based on incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) and allows for measuring for example length changes and optical power changes quasi-distributed at repetition rates up to 2 kHz. Precise measurement with length change resolutions in the µm-range can be conducted using standard single-mode or multi-mode fibers. Previous results of dynamic refractive index change measurement and the use of polymer optical fibers for high-strain measurement are concluded and possible sources of measurement inaccuracies are discussed. Field test results with sensors installed on a masonry building during a seismic shake test are presented. The versatility and simplicity of this technique makes it potentially interesting for application in the structural health monitoring sector and chemical process control.
Fiber optic sensors based on polymer optical fibers (POF) have the advantage of being very elastic and robust at the same time. Unlike silica fibers, standard PMMA POF fibers can be strained to more than 40% while fully maintaining their light guiding properties. We investigated POF as a distributed strain sensor by analysing the backscatter increase at the strained section using the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique. This sensing ability together with its high robustness and break-down strain makes POF well-suited for integration into technical textiles for structural health monitoring purposes. Within the European research project POLYTECT (Polyfunctional textiles against natural hazards) technical textiles with integrated POF sensors, among others sensors are being developed for online structural health monitoring of geotechnical structures. Mechanical deformation in slopes, dams, dikes, embankments and retrofitted masonry structures is to be detected before critical damage occurs. In this paper we present the POF strain sensor properties, reactions to disturbing influences as temperature and bends as well as the results of the different model tests we conducted within POLYTECT. We further show the potential of perfluorinated graded-index POF for distributed strain sensing with increased spatial resolution and measurement lengths.
The presented research is carried out on the background of the development of a new strain sensor, integrated in technical textiles using the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique. We investigated the effect of increased scattering in POF due to applied strain as a distributed sensor including research on long-term stability and reliability of this sensor.
Fiber optic sensors based on polymer optical fibers (POF) take advantage of the high elasticity and high break-down strain of POF. Because of their outstanding elastic properties, POF are well suited for integration into technical textiles like geotextiles and medical textiles. Smart textiles with incorporated POF sensors, able to sense various mechanical and physical quantities, can be realized. The integration of POF as a sensor into geotextiles for monitoring of displacement of soil is very attractive since POF can be used for distributed strain measurement of strain values of more than 40 %. An online monitoring of critical mechanical deformations of geotechnical structures like dikes, dams, slopes, embankments as well as of masonry structures can be ensured. Medical textiles that incorporate POF sensors can control vital physiological parameters like respiratory movement and can be used for wearable health monitoring of patients requiring a continuous medical assistance and treatment. The biocompatibility of POF is an important criterion for selecting POF as a medical sensor. The paper shows selected examples of using POF sensors for the mentioned monitoring purposes.
Recently, we have proposed, to our knowledge for
the first time, to use perfluorinated graded-index polymer
optical fiber (POF) for distributed measurement of strain.
Thanks to their low attenuation and low modal dispersion
compared to standard-POF, this fiber type allows to extend the
measurement length to more than 500 meters at increased
spatial resolution. In this paper, two mechanisms for strain
sensing are introduced. As in standard PMMA POF, strain in the
fiber can be detected by evaluating the local backscatter
increase occurring at strained fiber sections. Further, we
propose, to our knowledge for the first time, a true distributed
length change measurement in POF using cross-correlation
analysis of the fibers characteristic backscatter signature.
Using this technique, it is possible to measure relative
displacement between different fiber sections avoiding signal
fading failures that are inherent in other measurement
principles. Cross-sensitivities to the sensor signal, as fiber
bends and temperature, are investigated and quantified.
Sensing characteristics of standard polymer
optical fibers (POF) are further studied using the optical time
domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique. The level of the
backscattering inside POF, which highly increases at locations
where strain is applied to the fiber, is further investigated with
respect to spectral behavior, strain rate and span of time from
the stretching event. An algorithem to overcome the problem of
the decrease of spatial resolution as a result of pulse
broadening due to modal disperion, is proposed. The research
is carried out on the background of the development of a new
strain sensor that is integrated in technical textiles.
Distributed polymer optical fiber sensors in geotextiles for monitoring of earthwork structures
(2009)
Distributed Polymer Optical Fiber Sensors in Geotextiles for Monitoring of Earthwork Structures
(2009)
POF Sensors Integrated in Technical Textiles for Monitoring of Earthwork Structures and Masonry
(2009)
We present, to our knowledge for the first time, the possibility of measuring the backscatter signal of perfluorinated polymer optical fibers (POF) using an incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique. The OFDR setup is described and it is shown that the dynamic range and measurement speed are superior to standard OTDR systems. It is shown for the first time that distributed detection of strain in POF is possible using the OFDR technique.
Protection of critical infrastructure using fiber optic sensors embedded in technical textiles
(2010)
Terrorists and criminals more and more attack and destroy important infrastructures like routes, railways, bridges, tunnels, dikes and dams, important buildings. Therefore, reliable on-line and long-term monitoring systems are required to protect such critical infrastructures. Fiber optic sensors are well-suited for that. They can be installed over many kilometers and are able to measure continuously distributed strain, pressure, temperature and further mechanical and physical quantities. The very tiny optical fibers can be integrated into structures and materials and can provide information about any significant changes or damages of the structures. These so-called smart materials and smart structures are able to monitor itself or its environment. Particularly smart technical textiles with embedded fiber optic sensors have become very attractive because of their high importance for the structural health monitoring of geotechnical and masonry infrastructures. Such textiles are usually used for reinforcement of the structures; the embedded fiber optic sensors provide information about the condition of the structures and detect the presence of any damages and destructions in real time. Thus, critical infrastructures can be preventively protected. The paper will introduce this innovative field and will present the results achieved within several German and European projects.
We present a novel technique based on incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to measure length changes quasi-distributed between reflection points in optical fibres. The technique enables length changes to be measured with a resolution better than 1 µm and allows for static and dynamic measurement capabilities up to 2 kHz. We demonstrate that dynamic measurements of multiple fibre sections can be conducted independently from each other with high precision. Due to the precise and dynamic measurement capabilities, the proposed sensor system is expected to open new fields of application, especially in the structural-health-monitoring sector. Possible applications are discussed in the paper.
We present the latest advances in distributed strain measurement in perfluorinated polymer optical fibres (POFs) using backscatter techniques. Compared to previously introduced poly(methyl methacrylate) POFs, the measurement length can be extended to more than 500 m at improved spatial resolution of a few centimetres. It is shown that strain in a perfluorinated POF can be measured up to 100%. In parallel to these investigations, the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique is introduced to detect strained fibre sections and to measure distributed length change along the fibre with sub-millimetre resolution by applying a cross-correlation algorithm to the backscatter signal. The overall superior performance of the OFDR technique compared to the optical time domain reflectometry in terms of accuracy, dynamic range, spatial resolution and measurement speed is presented. The proposed sensor system is a promising technique for use in structural health monitoring applications where the precise detection of high strain is required.
We present a novel technique for dynamic and simultaneous measurement of displacement and refractive indices at multiple reflection points in optical fibers. This quasi-distributed sensor is based on the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) technique and allows for m-resolution length change measurement and precise refractive index measurement. We show that the dynamic measurement ability and the simple sensor design allows for new applications in the field of structural health monitoring and chemical process control.
We present a novel technique based on the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (l-OFDR) technique for dynamic (2 kHz) and quasi-distributed length change measurement in polymer optical fibers (POF). The extreme strain sensing capabilities (> 125 %) and cyclic load behaviour of perfluorinated POF are investigated using this technique.
Distributed strain and length change measurement in POF using optical frequency domain reflectometry
(2010)
We show that the incoherent optical frequency domain (l-OFDR) technique provides superior performance compared to standard OTDR techniques in terms of spatial resolution and measurement time. The distributed strain measurement capabilities of perfluorinated POF up 100 % strain are shown and distributed length change measurement using correlation techniques and OFDR are presented.
In this document a new distributed sensor based on Rayleigh scattering in polymer optical fibers (POF) is proposed and first measurement results of the proposed sensor are shown. Different from Silica glas optical fibers POF absorb high quantities of water resulting in a change of their molecular structure and thereby reducing the present small scattering centers in areas of high humidity. The interdependence between scattering intensity and relative humidity is being investigated in case of steady cycles as well as stepwise changes of humidity and in the presence of moisture. A quantitative measure of humidity and scattering is presented.
The potential of the use of POF as distributed sensors in several application fields has been successfully demonstrated. The distributed POF sensors have moved from the laboratory to the field. The paper presents the recent progress in the development of distributed POF sensors and addresses the main challenges to this innovative technology.
We propose focused femtosecond laser irradiation to create stable and permanent scattering damage in large-core polymer optical fibers. Possible sensing applications using optical time domain reflectometry are discussed and presented. Experiments show that quasi-distributed fiber bend sensors and absolute temperature sensors can be realized by evaluating backscatter intensities.
This article reports on recent advancements in the field of distributed optical fiber sensing with a focus on the monitoring of geotechnical structures and buildings. While the classical time-domain approach to distributed sensing is widely known, this article provides an introduction into the frequency-domain analysis technique for both distributed Brillouin measurements (as commonly used for strain and temperature monitoring) and for linear backscattering measurements. The article also addresses an issue which arises when truly distributed measurements are compared among each other; a new approach to calculate differential curves from a measurement and a base-line which avoids misleading large amplitudes at physical events with strong gradients is proposed. Finally, a field test of a new read-out technology, the OFDR (optical frequency domain reflectometry) technique providing dynamic readings of length changes between discrete fiber positions, is presented.
We propose to use focused femtosecond laser pulses to inscribe Scattering damage in the core of polymer optical fibers for interrogation as quasi-distributed sensor points by optical time domain reflectometry.
Fiber bend measurement is demonstrated on off-center inscribed sensor points and absolute temperature measurement is presented by evaluation of the constant backscatter intensities from the inscribed structures relative to temperature-dependent Rayleigh Scattering. Application possibilities and limitations of this new approach are discussed.
We introduce the optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique based on intensity modulation frequency sweep measurement for distributed disturbance measurement in optical fibres. By evaluating interferometric Rayleigh scattering changes along the fibre, strain and temperature changes are detected with 100 nε sensitivity and 10 mK resolution. The vibration frequencies for low frequencies and up to the kHz-range can be obtained from power change Evaluation in the spatial domain. This novel OFDR approach is a low-cost alternative for distributed disturbance measurement up to distances of several kilometres.
We introduce the optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique based on intensity modulation frequency sweep measurement for distributed disturbance measurement in optical fibres. By evaluating interferometric Rayleigh scattering changes along the fibre, strain and temperature changes are detected with 100 n(epsilon) sensitivity and 10 mK resolution. The vibration frequencies for low frequencies and up to the kHz-range can be obtained from power change evaluation in the spatial domain. This novel OFDR approach is a low-cost alternative for distributed disturbance measurement up to distances of several kilometres.
One of the unique advantages of polymer optical fibres (POF) is that they can be used to measure very high strain values up to 100 % and beyond exceeding the strain limits of silica fibre-based sensor principles. In this paper the distributed strain measurement capabilities of POF based on backscatter change evaluation are summarized and distributed backscatter measurement technologies are intro-duced. Application examples in the structural health monitoring (SHM) field are presented: a promising approach is the integration into technical textiles for high-strain measurement in earthwork structures and crack detection in buildings. The potential of POF for future applications in SHM such as distributed relative humidity sensing is discussed.
One of the unique advantages of polymer optical fibres (POF) is that they can be used to measure very high strain values up to 100 % and beyond exceeding the strain limits of silica fibre-based sensor principles. In this paper the distributed strain measurement capabilities of POF based on backscatter change evaluation are summarized and distributed backscatter measurement technologies are intro-duced. Application examples in the structural health monitoring (SHM) field are presented: a promising approach is the integration into technical textiles for high-strain measurement in earthwork structures and crack detection in buildings. The potential of POF for future applications in SHM such as distributed relative humidity sensing is discussed.
We propose a digital implementation of the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) technique for precise backscatter measurement and optical fiber sensing applications. Specific performance parameters of the I-OFDR are discussed and compared to an analog vector network analyzer-based I-OFDR system. Improved sensitivity, dynamic range and signal stability of the digital I-OFDR is presented and demonstrated by means of quasi-distributed length change measurement.