Abstract
In this work, an innovative fully integrated monitoring infrastructure based on optical fibre sensors was developed and implemented. In the framework of the research project named PROTEU [Tecnologias Avan double dagger adas para a Monitoriza double dagger o de Sistemas Estuarinos e Costeiros (PDCTM/P/MAR/15275/1999)], an 11 km optical fibre cable with Bragg sensors each 500 m was installed from the lagoon mouth to Vouga river, along the bed of the Espinheiro channel, allowing the real-time measurement of water temperature at each sensor location. The results of this project are currently feeding several studies concerning Ria de Aveiro and the surrounding area and are crucial for a continuous assessment and management of the environmental conditions. Meanwhile, a fibre optic sensing system for simultaneous measurement of temperature and salinity based on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) technology was also developed. In the following sections, a complete description of the fabrication process, as well as theoretical and experimental results regarding this particular sensing system, are addressed. Earlier in situ local measurements, as well as the latest remote monitoring and data processing scheme, are described. The developed technology is now being exploited by FiberSensing, an INESC Porto spin-off company devoted to the development of optical fibre Bragg grating-based sensor systems for advanced monitoring applications. The main markets of the company are the ones of structural health monitoring in civil and geotechnical engineering, energy production and distribution, and environment.

Abstract
In this work we describe the characterization of high Q optical microresonators using an all fiber based system. Silica microspheres fabricated on a fiber tip by electric arc discharge are characterized using a simple interrogation system based on an adiabatic fiber taper coupler and on the collection of scattered radiation by a multimode fiber.

Abstract
Experimental results are shown demonstrating that multiple surface plasma waves can be excited in optical fibres at the 1.5 mu m optical communications region for the range of refractive indices of aqueous media using doubly deposited tapered fibre structures, well known to exhibit small or zero sensitivity to polarization. Well-defined plasmon dips were obtained with high sensitivity to the surrounding refractive index. This characteristic, together with the substantial flexibility for local and distributed measurement associated with optical fibre sensing supported by the C-Band technology, indicate that these devices can be very advantageously used for chemical, biological and environmental sensing.

Abstract
Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are finding increased usage in experimental mechanics for monitoring service conditions in structures and other equipment and are currently being tested for process monitoring. In FBG sensors, strain and temperature cause a shift in the Bragg wavelength reflected by the grating contained in these fibres. In situ monitoring of strain and temperature during welding processes increases knowledge of the welded material and the welding process itself. In the present work, two welding processes are monitored using FBG sensors and the complete measurement approach including sensor selection, calibration, instrumentation, welding monitoring and result interpretation is presented. Calibration for strain measurements at constant temperature was performed using a four-point bending test, and temperature calibration was carried out using an oven. Results for a sensor length of 5 mm are presented. Both transient and residual strains were recorded during experiments on metal inert gas and friction stir welding and the possible impact of this monitoring technology is discussed in the light of process optimization and subsequent structural health monitoring.

Abstract
A novel miniature fiber Bragg grating-based temperature probe is presented. The sensor design integrates a u-shape lossless taper, thus offering the advantages of a terminal temperature probe while enabling effective serial multiplexing. We report on the experimental validation of the temperature probe design, demonstrating lossless operation and effective elimination of strain cross-sensitivity.

Abstract
We present results on the characterization of the response of a dual resonance observed in the spectrum of a single long-period grating arc-induced in a B/Ge co-doped fiber to different physical parameters. The dual resonance is formed by two overlapping resonances corresponding to coupling of the core mode to symmetric and antisymmetric cladding modes. The behavior of the resonances is studied when the grating is subject to strain, bending, torsion, temperature, or external refractive-index changes. The strain, bending, and torsion sensitivities of the two resonances differ, whereas the temperature sensitivities are almost the same. The sensitivities to variation in external refractive index are the same for the two resonances when the long-period grating is straight and differ when the fiber with the grating is curved. (c) 2010 Optical Society of America