Remote optical interrogation of embedded optical fiber sensors

Noel Zabaronick; David Sherrer; Richard O. Claus; Kent A. Murphy; Paul Grems Duncan; Kevin A. Shinpaugh

doi:10.1117/12.240864

30 May 1996 Remote optical interrogation of embedded optical fiber sensors

Noel Zabaronick, David Sherrer, Richard O. Claus, Kent A. Murphy, Paul Grems Duncan, Kevin A. Shinpaugh

Proceedings Volume 2718, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240864
Event: 1996 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1996, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A non-contact optical method has been developed for the remote and high-speed interrogation of optical fiber sensors embedded in a structure. The technique allows the use of passive fiber sensor requiring no local on-board electrical power or local electronics in the structure, thus simplifying the design and manufacturing of the structure, and allowing potential applications in low-cost structures where the addition of on-board power and electronics may be cost- prohibitive. For demonstration, multiple absolute extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (AEFPI) strain sensor elements were embedded in a polymer matrix cross-ply laminate coupon. Coupling of broadband optical power into the embedded sensor elements over a distance of several tens of centimeters was achieved using a compact and lightweight broadband light source. Optical radiation received back from the sensors within the test specimen was optically detected and electronically processed to obtain the AEFPI strain sensor output signals using a computer software-based signal processing unit designed for this application. The ability of the opto-electronic receiver unit to both detect changes in strain dynamically was determined by quasi-satirically increasing the load on the specimen using a small loading fixture. The further ability of the system to monitor strain dynamically during rapid motion was demonstrated by moving the specimen with respect to the input and output optics. The limitations of the system due to the operation of the detection system are detailed.

Citation Download Citation

Noel Zabaronick, David Sherrer, Richard O. Claus, Kent A. Murphy, Paul Grems Duncan, and Kevin A. Shinpaugh "Remote optical interrogation of embedded optical fiber sensors", Proc. SPIE 2718, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation, (30 May 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240864

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

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.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available