Microbend optical fiber sensor for high-spatial resolution measurement of strain distribution

This paper proposes a new technique for the fiber strain sensor which utilizes a pulsed laser for high-spatial resolution measurement with short detection time. A new optical fiber sensor system has been developed for measuring strain distribution. Microbend scattering process is used for the sensing of strain and high spatial resolution of 1 m was achieved for both plastic and silica glass fiber. Application of this fiber sensor to the strain measurement of geo-textile has been realized.