A novel signal processing technique using sinusoidal optical frequency modulation of an inexpensive continuous-wave laser diode source is proposed that allows highly linear interferometric phase measurements in a simple, self-referencing setup. Here, the use of a smooth window function is key to suppress unwanted signal components in the demodulation process. Signals from several interferometers with unequal optical path differences can be multiplexed, and, in contrast to prior work, the optical path differences are continuously variable, greatly increasing the practicality of the scheme. In this paper, the theory of the technique is presented, an experimental implementation using three multiplexed interferometers is demonstrated, and detailed investigations quantifying issues such as linearity and robustness against instrument drift are performed.

As a canonical model for wetting far from thermal equilibrium we study a Kardar-Parisi-Zhang interface growing on top of a hard-core substrate. Depending on the average growth velocity the model exhibits a non-equilibrium wetting transition which is characterized by an additional surface critical exponent θ. Simulating the single-step model in one spatial dimension we provide accurate numerical estimates for θ and investigate the distribution of contact points between the substrate and the interface as a function of time. Moreover, we study the influence of finite-size effects, in particular the time needed until a finite substrate is completely covered by the wetting layer for the first time.

Dynamic fiber-optic shape sensing, often also referred to as curvature or bend sensing, is demonstrated using fiber segment interferometry, where chains of fiber segments, separated by broadband Bragg grating reflectors, are interrogated using rangeresolved interferometry. In this paper, the theory of interferometric curvature sensing using fiber segments is developed in detail, including techniques to infer lateral displacements from the measured differential strain data and methods for directional calibration of the sensor. A proof-of-concept experiment is performed, where four fiber strings, each containing four fiber segments of gauge length 20 cm each, are attached to the opposing sides of a flexible support structure and the resulting differential strain measurements are used to determine the lateral displacements of a 0.8 m cantilever test object in two dimensions. Dynamic tip displacement measurements at 40 nm • Hz −0 .5 noise levels over a 21 kHz bandwidth demonstrate the suitability of this approach for highly sensitive and cost-effective fiber-optic lateral displacement or vibration measurements.

Using a novel range-resolved interferometric signal processing technique based on the sinusoidal optical frequency modulation of a cost-effective laser diode, a fiber sensing approach termed fiber segment interferometry (FSI) is described. In FSI, a chain of long-gauge length fiber optic strain sensors are separated by identical in-fiber partial reflectors. Targeted at dynamic strain analysis and ultrasound detection for structural health monitoring, this approach allows integrated strain measurements along fiber segments, removing the sensing gaps and sensitivity to inhomogeneities found with localized fiber sensors. In this paper, the multiplexing of six fiber segments, each of length 12.5 cm, is demonstrated. The sensor array can be interrogated at 98 kHz data rate, achieving dynamic strain noise levels ≤ 0.14 n • Hz −0 .5. The reflector fabrication is discussed, an analysis of linearity and noise performance is carried out and results from an exemplar experiment to determine the speed-of-sound of a stainless steel rod are shown.

A novel optical signal processing scheme for multiplexing fibre segment interferometers is proposed. The continuous-wave, homodyne technique combines code-division multiplexing with single-sideband modulation. It uses only one electro-optic phase modulator to achieve both range separation and quadrature interferometric phase measurement. This scheme is applied to fibre segment interferometry, where a number of long-gauge length interferometric fibre sensors are formed by subtracting pairs of signals from equidistantly placed, weak back reflectors. In this work we give a detailed account of the signal processing involved and, in particular, explore aspects such as electronic bandwidth requirements, noise, crosstalk and linearity, which are important design considerations. A signal bandwidth of ±20 kHz permits the resolution of phase change rates of 2.5 • 10 ସ rad s ିଵ for each of the four 16.5 m long segments in our setup. We show that dynamic strain resolutions below 0.2 nanostrain • (Hz) ି.ହ at 2 m sensor gauge length are achievable, even with an inexpensive diode laser. When used in applications that require only relative strain change measurements, this scheme compares well to more established techniques and can provide high-fidelity yet cost-effective measurements.