Abstract
An analytical model based on geometrical optics and multilayer transfer matrix method is applied to the surface plasmonic resonance supported by fibre taper structures in the context of optical sensing applications. Phase interrogation is considered in particular as a methodology to attain enhanced sensitivities, and the performance of the sensing heads as function of the metal clad and taper parameters is analyzed. General topics concerning the actual relevance of plasmonics are also presented, first in a global perspective and then when applied to sensing.

Abstract
A figure-of-eight based fibre laser cavity is proposed for the measurement of torsion. In one of the loops a section of photonic crystal fibre is inserted, acting both as an optical filter and the sensing head. The laser emission depends on the optical filter polarization and length. A single lasing band is achieved with a full width at half maximum of similar to 1.72 nm. The proposed sensor presents sensitivity to torsion of 7.13 pm/degree over a range of 180 degrees. This configuration can also be used to measure optical power variations. Besides, due to the properties of the optical filter this sensor presents low sensitivity to temperature.

Abstract
Many optical systems based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) have been developed for work as refractometers, chemical sensors or even for measure the thickness of metal and dielectric thin films. These kinds of systems are usually large, expensive and cannot be used for remote sensing. Optical fiber sensors based on SPR has been widely studied for the last 20 years with several configurations mostly using multimode optical fibers with large cores and plastic claddings. Sensors based on SPR present very high sensitivity to refractive index variations when compared to the traditional refractive index sensors. Here we propose a SPR sensor based in a single mode fiber. The fiber end is chemically etched by emersion in a 48% hydrofluoric acid solution, resulting a single mode fiber with the cladding removed in a small section. A resonance dip around 1580 nm was attained in good agreement with the simulation scenario that takes into account the real characteristics of the fiber.

Abstract
A sensing configuration based on an intensity optical fibre sensor for temperature measurement is reported. Two sensing heads, with identical geometrical configuration, connected in series are implemented. Each sensing head is placed between two fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs), being able to provide a self-referenced measurement, and thus eliminate errors that may arise from undesired intensity fluctuations in the configuration. The first FBG, placed before the aluminium tube, acts as the reference FBG, while the second FBG, placed after the aluminium tube, acts as the signal FBG. It is observed that the amplitude of the signal FBG decays when temperature increases, due to the increase of the ferrules' gap and as result of the material thermal expansion. The temperature response has a behaviour that corresponds to a polynomial fit of third order. The crosstalk between the two sensing heads in series is analysed. The temperature sensitivities obtained in the intervals regions of [36, 48.5] degrees C and [64, 85] degrees C are 2.67 x 10(-3) degrees C-1 and 1.74 x 10(-4) degrees C-1, respectively. Ten sensing heads with this configuration can be multiplexed in series network topology.

Abstract
Several easy-to-manufacture designs based on a pair of Fiber Bragg Gratings structure embedded in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) have been explored. These smart composites can be used for strain and temperature discrimination. A Finite Elements Analysis and Matlab software were used to study the mechanical responses and its optical behaviors. The results exhibited different sensitivity and using a matrix method it is possible to compensate the thermal drift in a real application keeping a simple manufacture process. © 2013 SPIE.

Abstract
Acoustic emission monitoring is often used in the diagnosis of electrical and mechanical incipient faults in the high voltage apparatus. Partial discharges are a major source of insulation failure in electric power transformers, and the differentiation from other sources of acoustic emission is of the utmost importance. This paper reports the development of a new sensor concept - a fiber laser sensor based on a phase-shifted chirped fiber grating - for the acoustic emission detection of incipient faults in oil-filled power transformers. These sensors can be placed in the inner surface of the transformer tank wall, not affecting the insulation integrity of the structure and improving fault detection and location. The performance of the sensing head is characterized and compared for different surrounding media: air, water, and oil. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of this sensing approach for the industrial development of practical solutions. © 2012 The Author(s).