Distributed optical fiber sensors and their applications

This paper contains the theory behind optical fiber sensing measurement and the latest trends in optical fiber sensing measurement and its applications. Smart structures and materials in which an optical fiber acts as a sensor to measure distributed strain and/or temperature along the fiber have applications in health monitoring functions, such as preventive maintenance, product efficiency improvement, and maintenance cost reduction. Furthermore, optical fiber has the advantage that it is essentially explosion-proof, needs no electric power supply, and is not affected by outside noise, such as lightening or high-voltage electrical power lines. This makes optical fiber suitable for plant and civil applications.