Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

SELF-POWERED FIBER BRAGG GRATING SENSORS

McMillen, Benjamin Wesley (2008) SELF-POWERED FIBER BRAGG GRATING SENSORS. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Primary Text

Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are key components for optical sensing and communication. Traditionally, fiber grating sensors were purely passive, but recent developments have been made to allow active tuning of these sensors. These tuning methods, though effective, are often bulky, cumbersome, and expensive to package. This thesis demonstrates an approach for tuning in-fiber Bragg grating sensors by optical energy carried by the same optical fiber. Optical energy carried by optical fiber was used to heat in-fiber Bragg gratings to alter grating response to surrounding media. This tuning technique requires no external actuation or expensive packaging. Through the use of a simple metallic film and the delivery of high power laser light to the grating, 'active' tuning is obtained.</br>Two applications are demonstrated where self-powered FBG technology is applied to a level sensor capable of measuring discrete liquid levels as well as a vacuum sensor, with sensitivity into the milli-torr range. These sensors are also a demonstration of the networkability of FBG sensor arrays, allowing for large multipoint sensor networks. In addition, both sensors have dual functionality, being capable of sensing local temperature in addition to vacuum and liquid levels. These sensors are comparable or better than most MEMS and fiber based technology. Optical fiber in both these applications serves as a conduit for both signal-carrying light as well as power light, used to tune the gratings. This new self-powered FBG-based technology provides an innovative solution to fiber sensing, allowing design of versatile sensors without compromising their intrinsic benefits. Not only does the one-fiber solution provide lower design costs by utilizing a single feed through, but it also boasts simple packaging, long lifetime, reliable operation in harsh environments, and immunity to electromagnetic fields.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
McMillen, Benjamin Wesleyben@mcmillen.eu0000-0001-6575-336X
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairChen, Kevin Pkchen@engr.pitt.eduPEC9
Committee CoChairFalk, Joelfalk@engr.pitt.eduFALK
Committee MemberCho, Sungskc@engr.pitt.eduSKCHO
Committee MemberStanchina, Williamwstanchina@engr.pitt.eduWES25
Date: 30 January 2008
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 18 July 2007
Approval Date: 30 January 2008
Submission Date: 30 November 2007
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Swanson School of Engineering > Electrical Engineering
Degree: MSEE - Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: active fiber bragg grating; active fiber sensor; fiber bragg grating; level sensor; microstructure fiber; vacuum sensor
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-11302007-123745/, etd-11302007-123745
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 20:06
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:52
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9880

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item