Signal Analysis, Signal Demodulation and Numerical Simulation of a Quasi-Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor Based on FDM/WDM Techniques and Fabry-Pérot Interferometers

Abstract

In civil engineering quasi-distributed optical fiber sensors are used for reinforced concrete monitoring, precast concrete monitoring, temperature monitoring, strain monitoring and temperature/strain monitoring. These quasi-distributed sensors necessarily apply some multiplexing technique. However, on many occasions, two or more multiplexing techniques are combined to increase the number of local sensors and then the cost of each sensing point is reduced. In this work, a signal analysis and a new signal demodulation algorithm are reported for a quasi-distributed optic fiber sensor system based on Frequency Division Multiplexing/Wavelength Division Multiplexing (FDM/WDM) and low-precision Fabry-Pérot interferometers. The mathematical analysis and the new algorithm optimize its design, its implementation, improve its functionality and reduce the cost per sensing point. The analysis was corroborated by simulating a quasi-distributed sensor in operation. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are in concordance. The optimization considers multiplexing techniques, signal demodulation, physical parameters, system noise, instrumentation, and detection technique. Based on our analysis and previous results reported, the optical sensing system can have more than 4000 local sensors and it has practical applications in civil engineering.

Low-Finesse Fabry–Pérot Interferometers Applied in the Study of the Relation between the Optical Path Difference and Poles Location

“…Based on References [21,22], when both interferometers do not have external perturbations, the optical signal R T (λ) is the superposition of two interference patterns, which are generated from both Fabry-Pérot interferometers. Its mathematical representation can be written as:…”

Developing an Intelligent Fiber-Optic System for Monitoring Reinforced Concrete Foundation Structure Damage

“…In terms of the FOS application based on the operation of the Fabry-Perot interferometer, there is a crosstalk for eliminating which several basic methods are combined at once. In study [33], a hybrid system of a quasi-distributed FOS is described, which operates on the principle of a Fabry-Perot interferometer and Bragg gratings. Another method uses the Rayleigh scattering principle in a distributed FOS system [34,35].…”