Abstract
A fiber optic interrogation sensor scheme based on a "figure-of-eight" configuration created from a single directional 3 x 3 fiber optic coupler is proposed. Two loops are formed in each arm and one of them contains the sensing head and the other is used as reference signal. A theoretical study based on Jones matrix analysis of this fiber loop mirror combination is reported. The optical configuration is tested as an interrogation scheme for a fiber strain sensor where the spectral response arises from the combination of the reference signal modulated by the sensor signal. The strain sensor configuration shows a phase sensitivity of 6.7 +/- 4.38 x 10(-2) mrad/mu strain by linear regression.

Abstract
A Fabry-Perot microcavity tip temperature sensor based on a special design double-cladding optical fiber is proposed. The produced fiber has pure silica core and outer cladding and a silica ring doped with phosphorous. The whole ring region is removed by chemical etching post-processing. Consequently, light will be guided in the core region. In a first step, the double-cladding optical fiber is spliced to single mode fiber. Afterwards, the tip is etched in a solution of 48% hydrofluoric acid. The inner cladding will be etched faster, and the core becomes suspended and surrounded by air. The Fabry-Perot microcavity tip sensor is subjected to temperature, and a linear sensitivity of 14.6 pm/degrees C is obtained.

Abstract
A new smart structure based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded into composite laminates for temperature and strain simultaneous measurement has been designed and experimentally tested. Two holes have been drilled at preset locations in the composite plate to create different strain sensitivities at different locations. The proposed design has been compared to three reference sensing heads also based on embedding FBGs into composite materials. Experimental results agree remarkably well with mechanical simulations and validate all the tested designs for the temperature-strain discrimination. Based on the same principle, another sensing head with a long single FBG embedded has also been designed and experimentally tested, obtaining temperature independent strain measurement.

Abstract
This paper presents an overview of optical fiber sensors based on Fabry-Perot interferometers with a focus on high temperature applications. The next generation of these fiber types interferometers are based in photonic crystal fibers, microfabrication as well as by chemical etching of special structures. High temperature measurements with linear behavior are observed namely in un-doped fibers, i.e., with a pure silica composition. Three new configurations are presented as possible solutions to be considered in extreme conditions.

Abstract
A Fabry-Pérot microcavity tip sensor based on the post-process of a special design double-cladding optical fiber is proposed. The sensor is subjected to temperature variations in both air and water. © OSA 2013.

Abstract
A Fabry-Perot microcavity tip sensor fabricated by post-processing of a special design double-cladding optical fiber is proposed. The produced fiber has a pure silica core, an outer cladding, and an inner silica cladding surrounding the core doped with phosphorous. When subjected to chemical etching post-processing, the whole ring region is removed and light is guided in the core region. The sensing head is created by splicing this fiber to single mode fiber and applying chemical etching to the fiber end. The core is forming a tip and it is thus surrounded by air. The Fabry-Perot microcavity tip sensor is subjected to temperature, and a sensitivity of 15.5 pm/degrees C is obtained.