This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 9480 including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.

Thirty years ago the Air Force initiated Project Forecast II, a Sagnac fiber optic strain sensor had been used to measure strain fields internal to carbon composites provided by Douglas Aircraft and issues associated with monitoring the structural integrity of the McDonnell Douglas Space Station design all came together to initiate the new field of fiber optic smart structures. This tutorial paper is intended to provide a perspective of how the field originated and has evolved of the past 30 years.

A 100 MHz fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system is described and applied to strain, pressure, and shock position sensing. The approach relies on coherent pulse illumination of the FBG sensor with a broadband short pulse from a femtosecond modelocked erbium fiber laser. After interrogation of the FBG sensor, a long multi-kilometer run of single mode fiber was used for chromatic dispersion to temporally stretch the spectral components of the reflected pulse from the FBG sensor. Dynamic strain or pressure induced spectral shifts in the FBG sensor were detected as a pulsed time domain waveform shift after encoding by the chromatic dispersive line. Signals were recorded using a single 35 GHz photodetector and a 25 GHz bandwidth digitizing oscilloscope. Application of this approach to high-speed strain sensing of magnetic materials in pulsed magnetic fields to ~150 T is demonstrated. The FBG wavelength shifts were used to study magnetic field driven magnetostriction effects in LaCoO₃. A sub-microsecond temporal shift in the FBG sensor wavelength attached to the sample under first order phase change appears as a fractional length change (strain: ΔL/L<10^-4) in the material. A second application to FBG sensing of pressure dynamics to nearly 2 GPa in the thermal ignition of the high explosive PBX-9501 is also demonstrated. Then, as final demonstration, we use a chirped FBG (CFBG) to resolve shock propagation dynamics in 1-D from an explosive detonation that produces fragmentation in an inert confinement vessel. These applications demonstrate the use of this FBG interrogation system in dynamical extreme conditions that would otherwise not be possible using traditional FBG interrogation approaches that are deemed too slow to resolve such events.

The release profiles of gentamicin sulfate (GS) from [chitosan (CHI)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/GS/PAA]n polyelectrolyte multilayers were investigated in situ using an innovative lab-on-fiber (LOF) optofluidic platform that mimics physiologically relevant fluid flow in a microenvironment. The LOF was constructed by enclosing in a flow-enabled and optically coupled glass capillary a long-period fiber grating both as a substrate for LbL growth of [CHI/PAA/GS/PAA]n and a measurement probe for GS release. We show that the LOF is very robust in monitoring the construction of the [CHI/PAA/GS/PAA]n multilayers at monolayer resolution as well as evaluating the rate of GS release with high sensitivity. The release processes in the LOF under static and a range of dynamic conditions are evaluated, showing a faster release under dynamic condition than that under static condition due to the varying circumstance of GS concentration gradient and the effect of flow-induced shear at the medium-multilayer interface. The LOF platform has the potential to be a powerful test bed to facilitate the design and evaluation of drug-eluting polyelectrolyte thin films for their clinical insertion as part of patient care strategy.

Luna recently demonstrated a novel optical phase-based algorithm for removing the adverse effects of fiber motion at frequencies far above the scan rate on high-resolution measurements of Rayleigh scatter using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) for static strain and temperature measurements. By comparing dynamic OFDR Rayleigh scatter measurements to a static reference, it is possible to extract the time-varying phase signal in real time. The same algorithm, applied to successive segments along an unbonded single mode fiber, is an effective means of monitoring the spatial distribution of high frequency optical phase perturbations caused by vibration and acoustic wave propagation in the fiber. We will discuss tradeoffs between scan speed, scan duration, range, spatial resolution, vibration sensitivity and vibration frequency range, provide measurement examples, predict limiting specifications for practical system performance based on current commercial OFDR products, and compare these limits to those of distributed acoustic sensing techniques based on Optical Time Doman Reflectometry.

The assurance of the integrity of adhesive bonding at substrate interfaces is paramount to the longevity and sustainability of encapsulated components. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to non-destructively evaluate these materials to determine the adequacy of bonding after manufacturing and then later in service. A particularly difficult problem in this regard is the reliable detection/monitoring of regions of weak bonding that may result from poor adhesion or poor cohesive strength, or degradation in service. One promising and perhaps less explored avenue we have recently begun to investigate for this purpose centers on the use of (chirped) fiber Bragg grating sensing technology. In this scenario, a grating is patterned into a fiber optic such that a (broadband) spectral reflectance is observed. The sensor is highly sensitive to local and uniform changes across the length of the grating. Initial efforts to evaluate this approach for measuring adhesive bonding defects at substrate interfaces are discussed. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Internal residual stresses and overall mechanical properties of thermoset resins are largely dictated by the curing process. It is well understood that fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors can be used to evaluate temperature and cure induced strain while embedded during curing. Herein, is an extension of this work whereby we use FBGs as a probe for minimizing the internal residual stress of an unfilled and filled Epon 828/DEA resin. Variables affecting stress including cure cycle, mold (release), and adhesion promoting additives will be discussed and stress measurements from a strain gauge pop-off test will be used as comparison. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

The method of a theoretical estimation of optical fiber durability used in optical fiber sensors as a sensitive element, depending on the strain arising at dynamic changes of temperature, pressure and other mechanical influences is offered. The developed analytical model takes into account design features of a fiber (diameters of a core and cladding, a metal or polymeric covering), doping types, relative humidity of an environment. Numerical modeling of silica optical fiber lifetime at dynamic influences of measured temperature and comparison with experimental data is carried out.

Flowmeters have been finding vast applications in all kinds of industrial processes, such as process control, food quality surveillance, wind turbines, environment monitoring, etc. In this paper, we propose a new anemometer which consists of a Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) implemented using a thin silicon mounted on the tip of an optical fiber. The anemometer takes advantage of the superior thermal and optical properties of silicon. Silicon is transparent to infrared wavelength, while it absorbs visible light. Thus, the silicon FPI can be heated by a beam injected from a red diode laser while the infrared signals go through it without any interference from the heating light. The heat loss from the silicon film will increase when the sensor is placed in stronger flow (wind), which induces a decrease in the optical path of the silicon FPI, which lead to blueshifts the output spectrum. A higher wind speed corresponds to a larger wavelength shift. By tuning the heating power, the response range and sensitivity of the anemometer is changed. Experimental results demonstrate that a wavelength shift -0.574 nm was observed for a wind speed of 4 m/s. Better sensitivity is to be expected when stronger heating applied. The proposed sensor also features simple structure, low cost and fast response.

Fiber-optics (FO) have great potential for distributed sensing in various harsh environment applications. Their advantages include high resolution and multiplexing capabilities, inherent immunity to electromagnetic interference, and low weight/volume. However, their widespread adoption in commercial applications has been considerably limited by the high cost, size, weight, and lack of capabilities of the readout unit used to interpret the FO signals. PARC has developed a breakthrough wavelength shift detection (WSD) technology that is capable of reading out signals from wavelength-encoded FO and other optical sensors with high sensitivity using a compact, high-speed and low-cost unit. In this paper, its calibration and noise performance is demonstrated for high-resolution (up to 1,45 fm/√Hz) acoustic emission (AE) detection of fast (up to 1 MHz) dynamic strain signals.

Robust pH sensors that can operate under harsh environmental conditions are valuable for a variety of applications, such as oil and gas production, geological CO₂ sequestration, etc. However, despite the significant advance in pH measurement technology, reliable pH sensing at elevated pressures (up to 30,000 psi) and high temperatures (up to 350 °C) remains challenging. We describe an optical pH sensor based on optical fiber technology. A sensing layer that is comprised of metal nanoparticles incorporated in a silica matrix coated on an optical fiber exhibits strong and reversible optical response to pH variation at 80 °C and in solutions with different salt concentrations. The same robust response is also observed at elevated pressures up to 2,000 psi. The optical fiber pH sensor is made of materials with high stability at temperatures at least up to ~ 600 °C. Therefore, this approach provides a new potential means to enable optical pH sensing for extreme environment applications.

Fiber optic sensing has been used in an increasing number of applications in the upstream oil and gas industry over the past 20 years. In some cases, fiber optic sensing is providing measurements where traditional measurement technologies could not. This paper will provide a general overview of these applications and describe how the use of fiber optic sensing is enabling these applications. Technologies such as Bragg gratings, distributed temperature and acoustic sensing, interferometric sensing, and Brillouin scattering will be discussed. Applications for optic sensing include a range of possibilities from a single pressure measurement point in the wellbore to multizone pressure and flow monitoring. Some applications make use of fully distributed measurements including thermal profiling of the well. Outside of the wellbore, fiber optic sensors are used in applications for flowline and pipeline monitoring and for riser integrity monitoring. Applications to be described in this paper include in-flow profiling, well integrity, production monitoring, and steam chamber growth. These applications will cover well types such as injectors, producers, hydraulic fracturing, and thermal recovery. Many of these applications use the measurements provided by fiber optic sensing to improve enhanced oil recovery operations. The growing use of fiber optic sensors is providing improved measurement capabilities leading to the generation of actionable data for enhanced production optimization. This not only increases the recovered amount of production fluids but can also enhance wellbore integrity and safety.

Ultra-deep water BOP (Blowout Preventer) operation poses numerous challenges in obtaining accurate knowledge of current system integrity and component condition- a salient example is the difficulty of verifying closure of the pipe and shearing rams during and after well control events. Ascertaining the integrity of these functions is currently based on a manual volume measurement performed with a stop watch. Advances in sensor technology now permit more accurate methods of BOP condition monitoring. Fiber optic sensing technology and particularly fiber optic strain gauges have evolved to a point where we can derive a good representation of what is happening inside a BOP by installing sensors on the outside shell. Function signatures can be baselined to establish thresholds that indicate successful function activation. Based on this knowledge base, signal variation over time can then be utilized to assess degradation of these functions and subsequent failure to function. Monitoring the BOP from the outside has the advantage of gathering data through a system that can be interfaced with risk based integrity management software and/or a smart monitoring system that analyzes BOP control redundancies without the requirement of interfacing with OEM control systems. The paper will present the results of ongoing work on a fully instrumented 13-½” 10,000 psi pipe ram. Instrumentation includes commonly used pressure transducers, accelerometers, flow meters, and optical strain gauges. Correlation will be presented between flow, pressure, acceleration signatures and the fiber optic strain gauge’s response as it relates to functional verification and component level degradation trending.

Since the first commercial introduction in the 1980s, optical fiber technology has undergone an almost exponential growth. Currently over 2 billion fiber kilometers are deployed globally with 2014 global optical fiber production exceeding 300 million fiber kilometers. ¹ Along with the staggering growth in optical fiber production and deployment, an increase in optical fiber technologies and applications has also followed. Although the main use of optical fibers by far has been for traditional data transmission and communications, numerous new applications are introduced each year. Initially the practical application of optical fibers was limited by cost and sensitivity of the optical fibers to stress, radiation, and other environmental factors. Tremendous advances have taken place in optical fiber design and materials allowing optical fibers to be deployed in increasingly harsh environments with exposure to increased mechanical and environmental stresses while maintaining high reliability. With the increased reliability, lower cost, and greatly expanded range of optical fiber types now available, new optical fiber deployments in harsh and high radiation environments is seeing a tremendous increase for data, communications, and sensing applications. An overview of key optical fiber applications in data, communications, and sensing for harsh environments in industrial, energy exploration, energy generation, energy transmission, and high radiation applications will be presented. Specific recent advances in new radiation resistant optical fiber types, other specialty optical fibers, optical fiber coatings, and optical fiber cable materials will be discussed to illustrate long term reliability for deployment of optical fibers in harsh and high radiation environments.

Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are being used within increasingly severe environments, requiring operational temperatures in excess of the standard operating range for FOGs. Applications requiring these higher temperatures include: directional drilling of wells in oil and gas fields, space applications and military FOG applications. This paper will describe the relative merits of two high temperature acrylate coatings for an optical fiber designed for a FOG in such operating environments. Results for two high temperature acrylates are presented, tested in a 200m length of loose wound fiber, coiled and supported at 75mm diameter, in line with TIA/EIA-455-192 (FOTP-192). It can be seen that both coating types give very good polarization extinction ratio (PER) performance at high temperature up to 180oC, with better performance shown by one coating type on the low temperature side, since it does not harden to the same extent below 0oC. The long term thermal exposure effects will be discussed and experimental results presented which include testing the PER performance over temperature both before and after an extended period of high temperature endurance. This will demonstrate the relative merits of different styles of coatings. From the PER performance, the h-parameter of the fiber can be calculated and hence the preferred coating type selected and recommended for the customer operating environment.

In many fiber optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems, a dual-ended configuration can correct the temperature measurement error associated with wavelength dependent loss (WDL) of the optical fiber and can provide a more accurate temperature measurement in comparison with a single-ended fiber system. In this configuration, two pieces of fiber are laid parallel to each other and connected at the distal end by a turn-around device, creating a U-shaped optical path that provides accessibility to both legs from the proximal end of the system. In many applications, tightly confined spaces constrain the fiber bend diameter and thus the size of the turn-around device. In this paper we will report a miniature turn-around built with a short section of a graded index (GI) fiber. The device measures less than 300 μm in diameter and less than 2 mm in length. The insertion loss of the miniature turn-around is measured and will be compared with the theoretical simulations.

We report on a fiber optic sensor based on the physiological aspects of the eye and vision-related neural layers of the common housefly (Musca domestica) that has been developed and built for aerospace applications. The intent of the research is to reproduce select features from the fly’s vision system that are desirable in image processing, including high functionality in low-light and low-contrast environments, sensitivity to motion, compact size, lightweight, and low power and computation requirements. The fly uses a combination of overlapping photoreceptor responses that are well approximated by Gaussian distributions and neural superposition to detect image features, such as object motion, to a much higher degree than just the photoreceptor density would imply. The Gaussian overlap in the biomimetic sensor comes from the front-end optical design, and the neural superposition is accomplished by subsequently combining the signals using analog electronics. The fly eye sensor is being developed to perform real-time tracking of a target on a flexible aircraft wing experiencing bending and torsion loads during flight. We report on results of laboratory experiments using the fly eye sensor to sense a target moving across its field of view.

A novel few-mode fiber based sensor for monitoring the vital signs of pulse (heart rate), and breathing rate (respiratory rate) was developed. The sensor was applied in non-invasive measurement of pulse and breathing rates. The pulse, breathing and even body movement affected the sensor’s output as the strain on the few-mode fiber changed with these activities. This sensor has simple structure and easy to fabricate. Its signal is easy to monitor. It can be used in the medical equipment in what situation non-invasive realtime monitoring and measurement of pulse rate, and respiratory/body movement pattern of healthy subjects are required.

This work presents a demodulation technique using a silicon micro-ring resonator that extracts wavelength information from a FBG sensor. The device implements an interrogation system employing a signal processing technique that translates the peak wavelength position of a FBG spectral line into a time interval measurement. To determine the peaks, three techniques were applied. One was based on a simple maximum detection algorithm, the other two, enhanced the detected signal by applying a finite impulse filter (FIR) and a smoothing filter. Results show an improvement of the wavelength measurement using the filtering technique compared to the maximum peak detection.

Dynamic measurements of detonation velocity profiles are performed using long Chirped Fiber Bragg Gratings (CFBGs). Such thin probes, with a diameter of typically 150 μm, are inserted directly into a high explosive sample or simply positioned laterally. During the detonation, the width of the reflected optical spectrum is continuously reduced by the propagation of the wave-front, which physically shortens the CFBG. The reflected optical intensity delivers a ramp down signal type, which is directly related to the detonation velocity profile. Experimental detonation velocity measurements were performed on the side of three different high explosives (TNT, B2238 and V401) in a bare cylindrical stick configuration (diameter: 2 inches, height: 10 inches). The detonation velocity range covered was 6800 to 9000 m/s. The extraction of the detonation velocity profiles requires a careful calibration of the system and of the CFBG used. A calibration procedure was developed, with the support of optical simulations, to cancel out the optical spectrum distortions from the different optical components and to determine the wavelength-position transfer function of the CFBG in a reproducible way. The 40-mm long CFBGs were positioned within the second half of the three high explosive cylinders. The excellent linearity of the computed position-time diagram confirms that the detonation was established for the three high explosives. The fitted slopes of the position-time diagram give detonation velocity values which are in very good agreement with the classical measurements obtained from discrete electrical shorting pins.

We describe the application of SCOS technology in non-intrusive, directional and spatially localized measurements of high electric fields. When measuring electric fields above a certain threshold, SCOS measurement sensitivity starts varying to a great extent and the linear approximation that assumes sensitivity to be constant breaks down. This means that a comprehensive nonlinear calibration method is required for accurate calibration of both low and high electric fields, while linear calibration can only be accurately applied for low fields. Nonlinear calibration method relies on the knowledge of the variability of sensitivity, while linear calibration relies on approximation of sensitivity with a constant value, which breaks down for high fields. We analyze and compare the two calibration methods by applying them to a same set of measurements. We measure electric field pulses with magnitudes from 1 MV/m to 8.2 MV/m, with sub-300 ns rise time and fall-off time constant of 60 μs. We show that the nonlinear calibration very accurately predicts all measured fields, both high and low, while the linear calibration becomes increasingly inaccurate for fields above 1 MV/m.

Illumination using artificial light sources is common in these days. Many manufactures are paying for the design of lamps depending on high efficacy and low UV hazards. This research is focusing on the most useable lamps in the Egyptian markets; High Pressure Mercury (HPM), Metal Halide (MH), and High Pressure Sodium (HPS). A set up for relative spectral power distribution based on single monochromator and UVA silicon detector for absolute irradiance measurements are used. The absolute irradiance in (W/m²) in UVA region of the lamps and their accompanied standard uncertainty are evaluated.

We present a fiber-optic sensor working at near-infrared (NIR) wavelength (~1.57μm) for CO₂ detection. In order to increase the NIR absorption, we utilize functional sensor materials metalorganic framework (MOF) on the surface of the core of a multimode-fiber with the cladding layer etched away. The selected functional materials demonstrated excellent adsorption capacity of CO₂ and significantly increased the detection sensitivity down to 500 ppm with only 8-centimeter absorption length.

An optical-fiber sensor based on Faraday Effect is developed for measuring total lightning electric current. It has many unique capabilities not possible with traditional current sensors. Designed for aircraft installation, the sensor is lightweight, non-conducting, structure-conforming, and is immune to electromagnetic interference, hysteresis and saturation. It can also be used on windmills, lightning towers, and can help validate lightning detection network measurements. Faraday Effect causes light polarization to rotate when the fiber is exposed to a magnetic field in the direction of light propagation. Thus, the magnetic field strength can be determined from the light polarization change. By forming closed fiber loops and applying Ampere’s law, measuring the total light rotation yields the total current enclosed. The broadband, dual-detector, reflective polarimetric scheme allows measurement of both DC component and AC waveforms with about 60 dB dynamic range. Three sensor systems were built with different sensitivities from different laser wavelengths. Operating at 850nm, the first system uses twisted single-mode fiber and has a 150 A – 150 KA range. The second system operates at 1550nm, uses spun polarization maintaining fiber, and can measure 400 A - 400 KA. Both systems were validated with rocket-triggered lightning measurements and achieved excellent results when compared to a resistive shunt. The third system operates at 1310nm, uses spun polarization maintaining fiber, and can measure approximately 300 A - 300 KA. High current measurements up to 200 KA were demonstrated at a commercial lightning test facility. The system was recently installed on an aircraft and flown near icing weather conditions.

In recent years fiber Bragg grating sensors gained interest in structural health monitoring and concepts for smart structures. They are small, lightweight, and immune to electromagnetic interference. Using multiplexing techniques, several sensors can be addressed by a single fiber. Therefore, well-established structures and materials in industrial applications can be easily equipped with fiber optical sensors with marginal influence on their mechanical properties. In return, critical components can be monitored in real-time, leading to reduced maintenance intervals and a great reduction of costs. Beside of generally condition monitoring, the localization of failures in a structure is a desired feature of the condition monitoring system. Detecting the acoustic emission of a sudden event, its place of origin can be determined by analyzing the delay time of distributed sensor signals. To achieve high localization accuracies for the detection of cracks, breaks, and impacts high sampling rates combined with the simultaneous interrogation of several fiber Bragg grating sensors are required. In this article a fiber Bragg grating interrogator for high frequency measurements up to the megahertz range is presented. The interrogator is based on a passive wavelength to intensity conversion applying arrayed waveguide gratings. Light power fluctuations are suppressed by a differential data evaluation, leading to a reduced signal-to-noise ratio and a low strain detection limit. The measurement system is used to detect, inter alia, wire breaks in steel wire ropes for dockside cranes.

Over the last years, battery safety becomes more and more important due to the wide spread of high-capacity lithium ion batteries applied in e.g. consumer electronics and electrical power storages for vehicles or stationary energy storage systems. However, for these types of batteries, malfunctions could be highly dangerous and all aspects of safety issues are not sufficiently considered, yet. Therefore, the improvement of the battery safety behavior is one of the most important issues discussed in actual research projects. In this paper the application of fiber optical sensors for enhanced battery safety is presented. The temperature is one of the most critical parameters indicating a failure of the cell, but even state-to-the-art battery management systems (BMS) are not able to monitor and interpret the distributed temperature field of a total battery storage system sufficiently. Furthermore, the volume expansion of the battery cell, which could be monitored by the strain on the cells’ surfaces, is one additional parameter not considered up to now. Both parameters could be simultaneous monitored by fiber optical sensor arrays, consisting of discrete fiber Bragg grating (FBG) elements. The FBG sensors are directly attached on the surface of the cell, recording the temperature as well as the strain distribution highly accurate and close-meshed. Failures and malfunction such as overcharging, gassing, and thermal runaway can be early predicted and avoided to extend the battery lifetime and enhance the operational battery safety. Moreover, battery aging effects lead to variations in the volume change behavior which can be detected additionally. Hence, a battery fully equipped with fiber optical sensor arrays in combination with an appropriate BMS enables a safe and continuous utilization of the energy storage system even under harsh conditions like rapid charging.

Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) originally designed as demultiplexing device and manufactured with well established silicon wafer technology are already used successfully as compact spectrometers with high resolution¹. In this paper, the concept of a new design for a wavelength demultiplexing device based on tailor-made polymers is presented. The motivation for a new design is a smaller footprint of the device and the avoidance of bended waveguides and the associated losses. Extensive simulations were performed to optimize the design. Using microscope projection lithography and hot embossing a first polymer based device was realized. Its characterization and the achieved performance in terms of resolution and covered wavelength range will be discussed.

Fiber Bragg grating based optical shape sensing is a new and promising approach to gather position and path information in environments where classical imaging systems fail. Especially a real-time in-vivo navigation of medical catheter or endoscope without any further requirements (such as the continuous exposure to x-rays) could provide a huge advantage in countless areas in medicine. Multicore fibers or bundles of glass fibers have been suggested for realizing such shape sensors, but to date all suffer from severe disadvantages. We present the realization of a third approach. With femtosecond laser pulses local waveguides are inscribed into the cladding of a standard single mode glass fiber. The evanescence field of the main fiber core couples to two S-shaped waveguides, which carry the light to high reflective fiber Bragg gratings located approx. 30 μm away from the centered fiber core in an orthogonal configuration. Part of the reflected light is coupled back to the fiber core and can be read out by a fiber Bragg grating interrogator. A typical spectrum is presented as well as the sensor signal for bending in all directions and with different radii. The entire sensor plane has an elongation of less than 4 mm and therefore enables even complicated and localized navigation applications such as medical catheters. Finally a complete 3D shape sensor in a single mode fiber is presented together with an exemplary application for motion capturing.