Accurate strain sensing based on super-mode interference in strongly coupled multi-core optical fibres

Abstract We report on the use of a multi-core fibre (MCF) comprising strongly-coupled cores for accurate strain sensing. Our MCF is designed to mode match a standard single mode optical fibre. This allows us to fabricate simple MCF interferometers whose interrogation is carried out with light source...

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Auteurs principaux: Joel Villatoro, Oskar Arrizabalaga, Gaizka Durana, Idurre Sáez de Ocáriz, Enrique Antonio-Lopez, Joseba Zubia, Axel Schülzgen, Rodrigo Amezcua-Correa
Format: article
Langue:EN
Publié: Nature Portfolio 2017
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Accès en ligne:https://doaj.org/article/75a9895d70544d3aad19b41a2a18ad27
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Résumé:Abstract We report on the use of a multi-core fibre (MCF) comprising strongly-coupled cores for accurate strain sensing. Our MCF is designed to mode match a standard single mode optical fibre. This allows us to fabricate simple MCF interferometers whose interrogation is carried out with light sources, detectors and fibre components readily available from the optical communications tool box. Our MCF interferometers were used for sensing strain. The sensor calibration was carried out in a high-fidelity aerospace test laboratory. In addition, a packaged MCF interferometer was transferred into field trials to validate its performance under deployment conditions, specifically the sensors were installed in a historical iron bridge. Our results suggest that the MCF strain sensors here proposed are likely to reach the readiness level to compete with other mature sensor technologies, hence to find commercial application. An important advantage of our MCF interferometers is their capability to operate at very high temperatures.