This course provides a broad overview of optical fiber sensing principles and techniques used for bio-chemical and medical applications. In particular, given the needs brought on by the recent Covid-19 and monkey-pox pandemics, a special review will be made on biosensors and virus-detecting approaches using fiberoptics. Besides reviewing sensors, other uses of specialty optical fibers for biomedical devices—such as endoscopes, imaging, and laser delivery, among others—will be briefly made. In addition, for attendees interested in the commercialization aspects of this field, the healthcare industry trends, needs and market characteristics will also be reviewed. The course is divided into three sections. Section I, provides an introduction to the ongoing status and trends in the healthcare industry and the medical needs that demand the use of optical fibers and fiber-based sensors. In Section II, a review of fiber optic sensor (FOS) technology is made, describing its operating principles, associated components (such as light sources, detectors, couplers, polarizers, etc.), and the specialty fiber types required for biomedical sensing system integration. A review of the non-sensing applications of fibers for illumination, imaging and laser delivery is also made. Finally, in Section III, a review of the major types of biosensors and medical fiber sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), Fabry-Perot cavities, as well as VIS-UV-IR absorption, fluorescence, evanescent field, SERS, and other detection techniques, will be made.

This course describes optical fiber sensing principles and technology, as well as the associated specialty fiber types and components required for their system integration. A broad overview of diverse applications is made with a particular emphasis on defense and security. Key fiber sensing solutions will be reviewed including the usage of the Sagnac interferometer (fiber optic gyro—FOG) for guidance and control; acoustic detection and distributed sensing (using interferometric as well as Rayleigh, Raman and Brillouin scattering techniques) for underwater intrusion detection, littoral monitoring and perimeter security; fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) for localization and identification of damage—in vessels and aircraft—and for bio-chemical agent detection. Other relevant fiber sensors and applications in non-defense applications such as oil & gas, civil structures, energy, will be described as well.

This course provides a broad overview of optical fiber sensing principles and techniques for chemical and biological (CB), as well as medical and food sensing applications. The course is divided into three parts. Part I provides an introduction of optical fiber sensors, their different types, associated components and specialty fiber types required for CB sensing system integration. In Part II, a review of different types of chemical and biological fiber sensors is made (based on VIS-UV-IR absorption, optical spectroscopy, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, evanescent fields, Raman, and others), along with discussions on reactive agents, detection techniques, data analysis and interpretation. Part III focuses on the use of FO sensors in the food industry for quality and safety inspection, discussing the basic principles of eat-by-light. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on practical applications and actual industrial and biotechnology solutions.

This course is divided into two parts. Part I provides a broad overview of optical fiber sensing principles and the associated components required for system integration. Emphasis is placed on reviewing the various sensor types and their use on practical applications. In Part II, a review of strain & stress measurement using optical fiber sensors-- such as fiber Bragg gratings—is made, along with discussions on sensor placement & installation, data analysis and interpretation, design considerations and operational principles of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). To reinforce the theoretical concepts and illustrate the practical aspects of the technology, a number of hands-on demonstrations of fiber-instrumented models and structural elements will be available.

This course provides a broad overview of optical fiber sensing principles and applications, as well as the associated specialty fiber types and components required for system integration. The course concentrates on reviewing the various sensor types and their operation with emphasis on practical applications and actual industrial solutions.