Next generation fiber optic sensing and its applications

Summary form only given. In the past, fiber optic sensing has made profound impact to several fields including civil, mechanical and biomedical engineering. Today, there is an increasing demand for sensors that includes homeland-security, military, industrial and infrastructure where fiber optic sensor is able to continue to play as a key enabler to meet the needs. More than usual, these fiber sensors faces harsh operating conditions with high temperatures, corrosion/erosion surroundings, high-vibration, voltage and pressure environment. The future requirements includes long operating-life, high accuracy, low field maintenance and low cost. In this talk, I introduce a new fiber optic sensor that is able to operate in the harsh environment (for example, ∼1000C) with extended life based on a novel permanent fiber grating technique. We also develop a nano-membrane technology on the surface of the fiber where it functions as the interaction agent with the surrounding chemical and gases. Unlike the traditional catalysis, this membrane sustains high-temperature and is re-conditionable in the field. These technologies open up opportunities to use fiber-grating sensors in power generation system (gas/steam turbine, coal-fire boilers, and aircraft engines); in oil and gas applications (down-hole sensing, sub sea station and reservoir monitoring); and in the area of biochemical detection.