Photonic crystal fiber Bragg grating based sensors: opportunities for applications in healthcare

Abstract

We review the state-of-the-art in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and microstructured polymer optical fiber (mPOF) based mechanical sensing. We first introduce how the unique properties of PCF can benefit Bragg grating based temperature insensitive pressure and transverse load sensing. Then we describe how the latest developments in mPOF Bragg grating technology can enhance optical fiber pressure sensing. Finally we explain how the integration of specialty fiber sensor technology with bio-compatible polymer based micro-technology provides great opportunities for fiber sensors in the field of healthcare.

Shear stress sensing with Bragg grating-based sensors in microstructured optical fibers

“…Since the shear stress distribution in an adhesive bond line can be a measure of the bond quality, the sensor could in principle also be used for monitoring adhesive bonds in large structures. However, since our sensor is intrinsically sensitive to shear stress, it can as well be implemented in other materials or structures, such as polymer [40] or composite materials [39,41].…”

Recent Advances in Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing Plastic Optical Fiber Technologies

“…In addition, polymer reveals to be intrinsically more biocompatible than silica for as it may be used for in vivo biomedical applications where the use of glass is inappropriate due to danger from breakages. Nevertheless, limited effort has been directed towards synergizing biocompatible POF-based photonic sensing with the WDM interrogation method that allows multiplexing by the use of FBGs, with just a few exceptions [84]. The main underlying reason behind this lack of development is the mismatch between the optimum operating wavelength regions of POFs and the optical devices exploited for telecommunications purposes as aforementioned at the beginning of this chapter.…”

A Self-Referenced Optical Intensity Sensor Network Using POFBGs for Biomedical Applications

“…Those POF Bragg gratings try to take advantage of polymer benefits such as larger elastic limit, higher maximum strain limit and larger temperature and humidity responses compared to silica, while maintaining the benefits of FBG-based sensors. Nevertheless, limited effort has been directed towards synergizing biocompatible POF-based photonic sensing with the WDM interrogation method that allows multiplexing FBGs, with just a few exceptions [ 22 ]. The main underlying reason behind this lack of development is the mismatch between the optimum operating wavelength regions of POFs and the optical devices exploited for telecommunications purposes.…”