Enhancement of multiplexing capability of low-coherence interferometric fiber sensor array by use of a loop topology

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 21; no. 5; pp. 1313 - 1319
• Main Authors: Libo Yuan, Wei Jin, Limin Zhou, Hoo, Y.L., Demokan, M.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.05.2003; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biomedical optical imaging; Budgeting; Circuit properties; Coherence; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Interferometry; Interrogation; Multiplexing; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical fiber couplers; Optical fiber sensors; Optical interferometry; Optical sensors; Reflectometry; Sensor arrays; Sensor systems; Signal analysis; System reliability; Topology; Multiplexing; Integrated optics; Bidirectional link; Redundancy; Fiber optic networks; Measurement sensor; System reliability; Coherent detection; Fiber optic sensors; Temperature measurement; Coherence; Signal processing; Optical fiber communication; Sensor array; Signal analysis; Optical fiber; Interferometry
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2003.810918

A novel technique for enhancing the multiplexing capability of low-coherence interferometric sensor array is proposed. The technique uses a fiber loop topology and allows for twice as many sensors as the conventional low-coherence reflectometry system to be multiplexed. Power budget and signal analyses for different sizes of sensor array are performed. A ten-sensor system was experimentally demonstrated and applied for quasi-distributed temperature measurement. An additional advantage of the technique is that it provides an extra degree of redundancy through the bidirectional interrogation of the sensor array and thus improves the system reliability.