Optimization of multicore optical fibers with fiber Bragg gratings towards bend and shape sensing

A shape sensor based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in multicore fibers is a complex device with multiple factors which have to be accounted for a successful measure- ment system. In this dissertation, I considered several aspects of such shape and curvature sensors

Composed Multicore Fiber Structure for Extended Sensor Multiplexing with Fiber Bragg Gratings

A novel multicore optical waveguide component based on a fiber design optimized towards selective grating inscription for multiplexed sensing applications is presented. Such a fiber design enables the increase in the optical sensor capacity as well as extending the sensing length with a single optical fiber while preserving the spatial sensing resolution. The method uses a multicore fiber with differently doped fiber cores and, therefore, enables a selective grating inscription. The concept can be applied in a draw tower inscription process for an efficient production of sensing networks. Along with the general concept, the paper discusses the specific preparation of the fiber-based sensing component and provides experimental results showing the feasibility of such a sensing system

Composed Multicore Fiber Structure for Extended Sensor Multiplexing with Fiber Bragg Gratings

A novel multicore optical waveguide component based on a fiber design optimized towards selective grating inscription for multiplexed sensing applications is presented. Such a fiber design enables the increase in the optical sensor capacity as well as extending the sensing length with a single optical fiber while preserving the spatial sensing resolution. The method uses a multicore fiber with differently doped fiber cores and, therefore, enables a selective grating inscription. The concept can be applied in a draw tower inscription process for an efficient production of sensing networks. Along with the general concept, the paper discusses the specific preparation of the fiber-based sensing component and provides experimental results showing the feasibility of such a sensing system

Characterization and calibration of shape sensors based on multicore optical fibre

[EN] In order to provide high accuracy in shape measurement with multicore optical fibres, characterization and calibration procedures are an important part of sensor preparation. Some procedures can be considered mandatory for adequate shape reconstruction, while others can help to enhance the measurement accuracy. Several of such procedures are discussed and experimentally applied for demonstrating the possible performance enhancement of curvature sensing, a fundamental phase of the shape reconstruction process. The maximum error observed in curvature calculation for a test object has been proved to be almost halved, decreasing from 2.48% to 1.36%, by applying such calibration corrections. The overall average relative accuracy of curvature measurement was improved from 0.89% to 0.5% (an improvement of 44%).This work was performed within the framework of ITN-FINESSE, funded by the European Union¿s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action grant agreement no 722509.Idrisov, R.; Floris, I.; Rothhardt, M.; Bartelt, H. (2021). Characterization and calibration of shape sensors based on multicore optical fibre. Optical Fiber Technology. 61:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yofte.2020.102319S1861Gander, M. J., MacPherson, W. N., McBride, R., Jones, J. D. C., Zhang, L., Bennion, I., … Greenaway, A. H. (2000). Bend measurement using Bragg gratings in multicore fibre. Electronics Letters, 36(2), 120. doi:10.1049/el:20000157Szostkiewicz, Ł., Soto, M. A., Yang, Z., Dominguez-Lopez, A., Parola, I., Markiewicz, K., … Thevenaz, L. (2019). High-resolution distributed shape sensing using phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry and multicore fibers. Optics Express, 27(15), 20763. doi:10.1364/oe.27.020763Zhao, Z., Soto, M. A., Tang, M., & Thévenaz, L. (2016). Distributed shape sensing using Brillouin scattering in multi-core fibers. Optics Express, 24(22), 25211. doi:10.1364/oe.24.025211Bronnikov, K., Wolf, A., Yakushin, S., Dostovalov, A., Egorova, O., Zhuravlev, S., … Babin, S. (2019). Durable shape sensor based on FBG array inscribed in polyimide-coated multicore optical fiber. Optics Express, 27(26), 38421. doi:10.1364/oe.380816Zhuang, W., Sun, G., Li, H., Lou, X., Dong, M., & Zhu, L. (2018). FBG based shape sensing of a silicone octopus tentacle model for soft robotics. Optik, 165, 7-15. doi:10.1016/j.ijleo.2018.03.087Error Analysis of FBG-Based Shape Sensors for Medical Needle Tracking. (2014). IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 19(5), 1523-1531. doi:10.1109/tmech.2013.2287764Gribaev, A. I., Pavlishin, I. V., Stam, A. M., Idrisov, R. F., Varzhel, S. V., & Konnov, K. A. (2016). Laboratory setup for fiber Bragg gratings inscription based on Talbot interferometer. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 48(12). doi:10.1007/s11082-016-0816-3Moore, J. P., & Rogge, M. D. (2012). Shape sensing using multi-core fiber optic cable and parametric curve solutions. Optics Express, 20(3), 2967. doi:10.1364/oe.20.002967Amanzadeh, M., Aminossadati, S. M., Kizil, M. S., & Rakić, A. D. (2018). Recent developments in fibre optic shape sensing. Measurement, 128, 119-137. doi:10.1016/j.measurement.2018.06.034Floris, I., Calderón, P. A., Sales, S., & Adam, J. M. (2019). Effects of core position uncertainty on optical shape sensor accuracy. Measurement, 139, 21-33. doi:10.1016/j.measurement.2019.03.03