Abstract
A passive all-fibre technique for fibre Bragg grating wavelength shift detection previously presented is used here for the demodulation of two Bragg sensors placed in a tree topology and addressed in time. The scheme involves a light source with particular spectral profile that allows the direct tracking of the Bragg wavelength shifts, providing satisfactory resolution over a large dynamic range and direct application in demultiplexing fibre sensing systems. Experimental results are presented relative to the measurement of static and dynamic strain, as well as temperature.

Abstract
An investigation is performed of the characteristics of the self-referencing intensity based Q-type fibre optic sensor using a recirculation loop structure. Both transmissive and reflective configurations are analysed. Via the definition of the measurement parameter (the R parameter) the linearity and sensitivity of the sensor are addressed. Theoretical and experimental results are compared, considering the problem of sensor design and optimization.

Abstract

Abstract
Faraday rotator mirror elements have been used in a number of applications as compensators for induced birefringence in retracing paths. In interferometric systems, such as the fiber-optic Michelson interferometer, this approach proved to be useful in providing maximum fringe visibility and insensitivity to the polarization state of light injected into the interferometer. However, it is found that, when the characteristics of the fiber coupler depend on the polarization state of the input beam, the efficiency of the Faraday mirror elements is limited. Theoretical analysis and experimental results in support of this statement are presented.

Abstract

Abstract
A detailed comparison between a low-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity and a typical two-beam interferometer is developed and checked experimentally. The consequences of approximating the true Fabry-Perot function by the two-beam function are evaluated for commonly used signal-processing schemes in order to quantify the final error introduced in various fiber sensing schemes employing this configuration.