Fiber Optic Sensors Second Edition

Abstract

In recent years, fiber optic sensors have developed from the laboratory research and development stage to practical applications. The market for fiber optic sensor technology may be divided into two broad categories of sensors: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic sensors are used in medicine, defense, and aerospace applications, and they can be used to measure temperature, pressure, humidity, acceleration, and strain. Extrinsic sensors are used in telecommunications to monitor the status and performance of the optical fibers within a network. The purpose of this updated book is to provide a tutorial overview on fiber optic sensor principles and applications. In particular, the updated and new chapters reflect both the recent advances in fiber optic sensor technology itself (such as the application of photonic crystal fibers to fiber optic gyroscopes and fiber optic grating inscription by femtosecond laser illumination) and new application opportunities that have great potential (e.g., fiber optic sensors provide for medical treatment that is minimally invasive). This text covers a wide range of topics in fiber optic sensors, although it is by no means complete. All chapters are written by experts in the field. Nine chapters were included in the previous version of the book, but have been updated. Chapter 5 and Chapter 11 are newly added chapters. Chapter 5 (harsh environment fiber optic grating sensors inscribed by femtosecond laser illumination) introduces state-of-the-art fiber optic grating sensor technology and Chapter 11 (fiber optic chemical/biological sensors) reviews the recent advances in this fast growing application sector. Chapter 1 gives an overview of fiber optic sensors that includes the basic concepts, historical development, and some of the classic applications. This overview provides the essential background material needed to facilitate the objectives of later chapters. Chapter 2 deals with fiber optic sensors based on Fabry–Perot interferometers. The major merits of this type of sensor include high sensitivity, compact size, and no need for fiber couplers. The high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities of this type of fiber optic sensor make it particularly well suited for smart structure monitoring applications. Chapter 3 introduces a polarimetric fiber opti