Abstract
In this work a novel optical-fiber sensor for carbon dioxide measurement is presented. A polymeric sensitive layer based on the acid-base equilibrium of phenol and of its derivative 4-nitro-phenol is used for carbon dioxide determination. The sensitive material presents changes in color and in its refractive index. Colorimetric and refractometric measurements were performed. The results show the sensor is more sensitive for lower concentrations and a saturation effect occurs for higher levels. For the colorimetric response, a resolution of +/- 0.15% was estimated and a response time of 30s was measured. For the refractometric measurements, a resolution of +/- 0.50% could be estimated and a response time of 12s was measured. Reversibility and reproducibility were also demonstrated.

Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel smart composite based on single mode optical fibres embedded in a hybrid composite laminated. This smart composite comprehended three optical fibres: an optical fibre positioned between two layers of carbon fibres; other optical fibre embedded in two layers of glass fibres; and another optical fibre inserted between the two different composite laminates. Due to cure process using hot plate press, different optical attenuations were obtained for the three optical fibres. The optical fibre positioned between the two different layers (carbon/glass) presented higher losses when compared with the two other optical fibres embedded between equal types of layers. The losses result from the different diameter of carbon/glass and the different coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite material. The smart composite was characterised in terms of its sensitivity to temperature and pressure, independently. Using a matrix method, it was possible to discriminate the pressure and the temperature with only one measurement. Maximum errors of 2.45 degrees C and 0.6 kN/m(2) were found to 60 degrees C and 2500 kN/m(2) measurement ranges.

Abstract
The index-guiding PCF basic structure is a solid core surrounded by a microstructured cladding. Owing to the presence of air holes, the effective refractive index of the cladding is below that of the core and the light is guided along the core by the principle of total internal reflection. Several authors have presented different geometries for this type of fibre and one of them is the suspended-core structure, where relatively large holes surround the fibre core that looks suspended along the fibre axis by small width silica walls. The chapter is divided in two parts. The first is about the fabrication of suspended core fibre and the second part is about the main applications of this type of fibres as interferometers.

Abstract
An indicator free optical fiber sensor for determination of carbon dioxide is presented. The sensing layer is based on the acid-basic equilibrium of phenol and of its derivative p-nitro-phenol that, in the presence of CO2, are prone to protonation introducing refractive index changes. The new sensitive layer is characterized and tested in different refractometric fiber optic sensor configurations. Using a fiber based interferometric setup, a CO 2 dependent refractive index change of ~0.05 RIU is observed, in the 10%-90% CO2 concentration range, demonstrating the membrane viability. Preliminary results are presented for an all-fiber LPG-based carbon dioxide sensor.

Abstract
The intrinsic advantages of optical sensor technology are very appealing for high voltage applications and can become a valuable asset in a new generation of smart grids. In this paper the authors present a review of optical sensors technologies for electrical current metering in high voltage applications. A brief historical overview is given together with a more detailed focus on recent developments. Technologies addressed include all fiber sensors, bulk magneto-optical sensors, piezoelectric transducers, magnetic force sensors and hybrid sensors. The physical principles and main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Configurations and strategies to overcome common problems, such as interference from external currents and magnetic fields induced linear birefringence and others are discussed. The state-of-the-art is presented including commercial available systems.

Abstract
In this work, a Brillouin fibre laser sensor for strain and temperature discrimination is presented. The fibre laser sensor consists in a Fabry-Pérot cavity with 20 meters of optical fibre between two Bragg gratings. © 2006 OSA/OFS 2006.