Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is demonstrated using an enhanced scattering optical fiber (ESF). The temperature measurement is based on measuring the intensities of the backscattered light with two broadband lights. The spectra of the broadband light partially overlap with the backscattered spectrum of the ESF. Since the spectrum of the ESF shifts with temperature, the intensities of the backscattered light will change. The temperature coefficients of the system are -0.011 dB/°C and 0.022 dB/°C. Using the system, a low cost and high speed DTS system can be accomplished.
KEYWORDS: Temperature metrology, Acoustics, Single mode fibers, Optical fibers, Measurement uncertainty, Temperature distribution, Structured optical fibers, Signal to noise ratio, Sensing systems, Fiber optics sensors
A new single-mode optical fiber with two Brillouin gain peaks is designed and fabricated to increase the differences in the temperature and strain coefficients between the peaks. The gains of the two Brillouin peaks are at a similar level and the temperature coefficient difference is ~0.2 MHz/°C. The fiber is well suited for simultaneous temperature and strain measurement with reduced uncertainties in Brillouin distributed fiber sensing applications.
We present a new modified graded-index (GRIN) fiber lens for extending the depth of field (DOF) of a miniature optical fiber probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT). The index profile of the GRIN fiber is designed to extend the DOF by 2X using a single piece of the GRIN fiber lens while maintaining an outside diameter of 125 μm. The output beam profiles of the optical fiber probe made with such GRIN fiber lens are measured and found to be in good agreement with the theoretical simulation.
Simultaneous distributed strain and temperature measurement based on Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) was demonstrated using a dual-Brillouin-peak single-mode (SM) optical fiber. The fiber is designed and fabricated with enhanced Brillouin gain of higher-order acoustic modes so that the gains of the multiple Brillouin peaks are at a similar level. In a 25-kilometer sensing length with 5-meter spatial resolution, the achieved temperature resolution is 2°C and the strain resolution is 40 microstrain.
Single mode (SM) optical fiber with multiple Brillouin scattering peaks can be used for simultaneous strain and temperature measurement based on Brillouin frequency shift (BFS), but the measurement uncertainties are high due to the low Brillouin gains of higher-order acoustic modes. A new SM fiber is designed and fabricated with enhanced Brillouin gain of higher-order acoustic modes so that the gains of the multiple Brillouin peaks are at a similar level. The temperature coefficients of the BFSs of the peaks are also made significantly different to improve the accuracy of the measured strain and temperature.
Raman-based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems have found widely ranging commercial applications. For extended distance DTS measurement the spatial resolution is sometimes limited through pulse broadening caused by the intermodal dispersion of graded index multimode (GIMM) optical fiber. In this paper we describe the design, manufacturing and performance of a high bandwidth GIMM fiber, with bandwidth optimized at 1550 nm. Using this fiber, we demonstrate distributed temperature measurement with an extended distance of 32 km and spatial resolution of 3 meters. In comparison, the spatial resolution of an OM4 (bandwidth optimized for use at 850 nm) fiber typically used in temperature sensing over 32km is more than 10 meters.
Optical fibers for telecommunications are designed to transmit light in a relatively benign and protected environment. The design aims to ensure minimal levels of attenuation, optical non-linearity, and other detrimental effects caused by external perturbations. However, for distributed sensing in harsh environments, the waveguide needs to be optimized as a sensing media and the coating on the optical fiber needs to provide mechanical protection at elevated temperatures. In this paper, we will review our work in three critical aspects of the optical fibers for sensing in harsh environments: waveguide design, coating thermal stability and mechanical strength at elevated temperatures.
In Raman-based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is often low due to weak
backscattered Raman signals. This can limit both sensing distance and temperature resolution. Common methods of
increasing the signal, versus noise floor, exist but most have significant limitations. For example, attempting to improve
SNR by increasing the launching power is limited by the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) threshold of the fiber. To
overcome this power limitation, we propose a new SRS filtering method that allows more power to be launched into the
fiber, beyond the SRS threshold, without causing additional temperature error. With this SRS filtering method we show
that 3 dB more power may be launched into the fiber while improving the SNR of the received signals by 1.6 dB.
Double-ended configuration is commonly deployed in Raman-based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems to achieve a high accuracy in temperature measurement. To show the feasibility of multicore optical fiber (MCF) in this application, we will demonstrate distributed temperature measurements using a sensor consisting of a dual-core MCF and an integrated, distal end turn-around in a doubled-ended configuration. The dual-core fiber and turn-around, both coated with polyimide, are suitable for high temperature use. Additionally, the device is ideal for long length, distributed temperature detection in confined spaces, with a finished outer diameter of less than 300 μm. The results show that wavelength dependent loss (WDL) is easily removed in the setup and an accurate temperature measurement can be achieved reliably over a wide temperature range.
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.
With advancements in optical fiber technology, the incorporation of multiple sensing functionalities within a single fiber structure opens the possibility to deploy dielectric, fully distributed, long-length optical sensors in an extremely small cross section. To illustrate the concept, we designed and manufactured a multicore optical fiber with three graded-index (GI) multimode (MM) cores and one single mode (SM) core. The fiber was coated with both a silicone primary layer and an ETFE buffer for high temperature applications. The fiber properties such as geometry, crosstalk and attenuation are described. A method for coupling the signal from the individual cores into separate optical fibers is also presented.
A fiber-optic probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications typically includes a short section of graded
index (GRIN) fiber fused onto a single-mode (SM) fiber. The GRIN fiber acts as a lens to focus the output of the SM
fiber and to collect the reflected light from the sample. In this paper we will use the beam propagation method (BPM) to
analyze the output beam characteristics such as beam radius and working distance, and then compare these with the
measured results. With this tool we can design a GRIN fiber lens to achieve a long working distance without degrading
the system performance.
In this paper we present a study of laser damage to large core multimode glass optical fibers by high peak laser power of up to 175 kW. Fibers samples prepared with polymer coatings having different refractive indices were tested in a two-point bend tester while transmitting laser light. The peak power used in the experiment clearly differentiated the performance among the samples. A polymer coating having lower refractive index significantly improves the fiber resistance to bending while transmitting laser. This observation provides important insight into the damage mechanism for this particular failure mode.
Large core silica optical fibers are often used for delivering high power laser for medical applications. It has been
observed that optical fibers that are transmitting high power laser light may fracture when bent and that the polymer
cladding or coating of the fiber plays a significant part in determining the fiber strength. In this work, we examine the
fiber performance in bending under high laser power after the fiber is treated at high humidity and high temperature, a
condition encountered commonly in medical applications, such as in an autoclave.
Graded index HCS(GI-HCS) optical fibers are designed with unique features for computer networks in automation and
process control, such as Ethernet, in an industrial environment. We demonstrated for the first time 1Gb/s transmission
over 700m of a GI-HCS optical fiber with a 62.5 μm core and 200 μm clad. The transceiver used is an off-the-self
Gigabit Ethernet VCSEL transceivers for multimode optical fiber. The field- terminated crimp and cleave connectors
were found to have no detrimental effect.
As a continuation of our earlier study at 2.1 μm wavelength, we have investigated the laser damage to
several types of step-index, large core (1500 μm) silica fibers at two new wavelengths by high power long
pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) and Alexandrite (755 nm) lasers. It was observed that fibers with different
designs showed a significant difference in performance at these wavelengths. We will also report a
correlation of damage to the fibers between the two laser wavelengths. The performance analyses of
different fiber types under the given test conditions will enable optimization of fiber design for specific
applications.
Perhaps the most common specialty optical fiber is HCS hard polymer clad silica fiber. It was invented almost 30 years
ago for transmitting laser light to initiate explosives in mining industry and later adapted to be used in a variety of new
applications, such as data communications. The most typical HCS fiber typically consists of a 200 μm pure silica glass
core, a thin coating of low refractive index hard polymer as the cladding, and an ETFE buffer. This design enables the
"crimp-and-cleave" technique of terminating and connectorizing fibers quickly and reliably. Its greater glass diameter
also renders greater robustness allowing the fiber to endure greater forces during installation. Due to its larger core size
and high numerical aperture (NA), the fiber can be used with a plastic connector and low cost LED transmitter that can
greatly reduce the system cost. It can also be used at higher temperature and humidity conditions than standard optical
fibers coated with telecommunications grade acrylate material.
As applications evolve and require greater bandwidth and/or performance over a greater distance, the challenge now is to
develop specialty optical fibers with significantly greater bandwidth-length product while maintaining all other
characteristics critical to their ease of use and performance. As a response to the demand, two new fiber types have been
designed and developed as higher bandwidth versions of the original HCS fiber. In this paper, we will discuss some of
the main design requirements for the fibers, describe in detail the two designs, and present the results of fiber
performance.
Damage to optical fiber for medical laser delivery has been observed where the fiber is
routinely bent while transmitting high power laser light. In an effort to understand the failure
mechanism we measured the temperatures of bent sections of several different types of fibers
with different bend diameters. We will discuss our results and some aspects of possible failure
mechanisms.
Silica optical fibers are being increasingly used for delivering laser power in various medical
applications. Damage to the optical fiber caused by the high laser power level and tight bend of the
fiber in these applications poses a serious concern. In this study, we examined the damage of step
index multimode fibers transmitting Ho:YAG laser power up to 100 W at wavelength of 2140 nm
when bent to a diameter down to 5 mm. The performance of different types of fibers was compared
and other relevant issues were discussed.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.