[Les capteurs à fibres optiques présentent des qualités intéressantes en termes de tailles et de poids relativement faibles qui permettent de réduire l'intrusivité du capteur dans le matériau (ou dans la structure composite). Ils sont également insensibles aux perturbations électromagnétiques, stables et durables dans le temps, mais aussi sensibles à plusieurs sollicitations comme la température, la déformation et la pression, d'où un besoin essentiel de les discriminer. Parmi eux on distingue les réseaux de Bragg : ceux à courtes périodes (FBG : Fiber Bragg Grating) et ceux à longues périodes (LPG : Long Period Grating). Le travail de thèse reporté dans ce manuscrit, traite du développement d'un capteur à fibre optique basé sur la superposition d'un LPG et d'un FBG afin de mesurer et de discriminer la température et la déformation. De nombreuses approches sont proposées dans la littérature afin de découpler ces deux sollicitations cependant elles ne permettent pas forcément une utilisation en conditions réelles de mesures. C'est pourquoi nous introduisons la notion d'efficacité de découplage avec le paramètre E qui permet de comparer toutes ces approches et met en évidence un très bon potentiel pour la structure à base de réseaux superposés LPG/FBG. La mise en œuvre d'un tel composant est décrite dans ce manuscrit et consiste à inscrire initialement le LPG puis le FBG au même endroit et sur toute la longueur du LPG. De plus ce type de structure permet un multiplexage qui, bien que faible, est néanmoins possible. Les étalonnages en température et en déformation du capteur ont permis de mettre en évidence une erreur de l'ordre de 2% sur la sensibilité à la température et de 3% sur la sensibilité à la déformation, ce qui conduit à une erreur sur l'estimation de la température et de la déformation mesurée de l'ordre de 0.3°C et 3 microdef. Dans un souci applicatif, le capteur à base de réseaux de Bragg superposés est tout d'abord utilisé pour instrumenter une structure métallique soumise simultanément à une variation de température et de déformation. Les valeurs mesurées présentent une incertitude maximale de 0.4°C pour la température et de 3 me pour la déformation ce qui permet de valider notre composant pour le contrôle et la surveillance de structures métalliques. La seconde application étudiée est relative à l'instrumentation de pièces composites stratifiées de type verre/époxy pour le suivi de procédés d'élaboration par voie liquide : VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) et LRI (Liquid Resin Infusion), pour lesquels l'évolution de la température et de la déformation au cours du procédé est suivie par le capteur à base de réseaux de Bragg superposés LPG/FBG. Des mesures diélectriques (DEA) sont également réalisées au cours de ces procédés et permettent la comparaison et la validation de nos résultats]

The use of composite materials in industrial applications such as aeronautical, aerospace or wind energy production has greatly increased in recent decades. Due to their inherent properties, these materials allow lighter, larger and more resistant structures. However, the use of composite materials for components or structures with highly stringent requirements, is hampered by the lack of knowledge of their reliability. In this thesis, some fundamental aspects about the use of fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for internal strain measurements in composite laminates are discussed. In addition, a highly accurate method for locating the crack tip position in mixed-mode delamination growth has been presented. Finally, an experimental application of FBGs to dynamic measurements in mode I fatigue test has been performed / L’ús de materials compostos en aplicacions de caràcter industrial com per exemple l’aeronàutica, aeroespacial o la de producció d’energia eòlica, ha crescut exponencialment durant les últimes dècades. Degut a les seves extraordinàries propietats, l’ús d’aquests materials permet la construcció d’estructures més lleugeres, grans i resistents, tot i que el seu ús en components d’alta responsabilitat estructural està limitat per la manca de coneixement en relació a la seva fiabilitat estructural. En aquesta tesi es discuteixen alguns aspectes significants sobre l’ús de FBGs per a mesurar camps de deformació en l’interior de laminats de material compòsit, s’ha analitzat també la capacitat de localització de la punta d’una esquerda en creixement de mode mixt i per últim s’ha desenvolupat una aplicació pràctica dels FBG en temps real en assaigs a fatiga en mode I

This diploma thesis deals with analysis of current diagnostic methods of optical networks, and it is focused on optical fiber dispersion in singlemode fibers. The work starts with a describtion chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion, causes of and thein influence on the transmitted signal at the beginning. There are set out principles and their appropriate use in the list of measuring methods. Furthermore, the work are given the current possibilities for compensation above dispersions. The sixth chapter deals with the measurements and simulations of real routes in the OptiSystem. There are given appropriate compensation methods for the selected route speeds in the last chapter. The simulation is performed for the bit rate 2.5 Gbit / s, 10 Gbit / s and 40 Gbit / s.

[pt] O aumento dos custos relacionados aos processos de manutenção em estruturas como aeronaves, aliadas à crescente demanda das mesmas, alimentam a necessidade de investimentos em técnicas inovadoras de monitoramento estrutural. Dessa forma, o trabalho realizado nesta tese, busca o desenvolvimento de uma técnica de monitoramento ativo, visando o acompanhamento de parâmetros da estrutura analisada, a fim de identificar e caracterizar processos de dano não visíveis, tais como corrosão e delaminação. A metodologia empregada, teve como base a análise dos padrões de deformação superficial, obtidos com o uso de grades de sensores à fibra óptica baseadas em redes de Bragg (FBG). Inicialmente, tais padrões foram provocados por carregamentos estáticos (tração), e posteriormente por atuadores PTZ fixados à estrutura. Estes últimos são submetidos a uma voltagem alternada e frequência fixa. Esta técnica apresenta todas as vantagens dos sensores FBG (massa e dimensões reduzidas, imunidade eletromagnética, elevado poder de multiplexação e alta sensibilidade entre outras), alem de permitir a visualização de alterações nos padrões de deformação, provocados por danos, através da variação da frequência de excitação. Com relação à interpretação dos resultados, a estratégia empregada consistiu em separar o problema de detecção e caracterização dos danos. Dessa forma, a detecção é realizada comparando a energia das deformações superficiais dos corpos de prova nos casos com e sem defeito, enquanto a caracterização é obtida através a utilização de redes neurais artificiais (RNA), por meio de rotinas de reconhecimento de padrões. / [en] The higher costs related to maintenance processes in structures such as aircraft, coupled with the growing demand of them, fueling the need for investment in innovative techniques for structural monitoring. Thus, the work done in this thesis seeks to develop a technique of active monitoring, aiming at monitoring of structure parameters analyzed in order to identify and characterize processes of hidden damage such as corrosion and delamination. The maid methodology was based on the analysis of patterns of surface deformation, obtained with the use of nets of optical fiber sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings ( FBG ). Initially, these patterns were caused by static loads (tension ), and later by PTZ actuators fixed to the frame, who are subjected to an AC voltage and fixed frequency. This technique has all the advantages of the FBG s sensors (mass and small dimensions, electromagnetic immunity, high multiplexing s power and high sensitivity among others), in addition to allowing visualization of changes in the patterns of deformation caused by damage, by varying the frequency excitation. With respect to the interpretation of the results, the strategy employed was to separate the problem of detection and characterization of damage. Thus, the detection is performed by comparing the deformation energy of the surface of the specimens in the cases with and without defect, whereas the characterization is obtained through the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) by means of pattern recognition routines.

A slab-coupled optical fiber sensor (SCOS) falls into a narrow class of all-dielectric optical fiber electric field sensors, which makes it a perfect candidate for measurements of high electric fields in environments where presence of conductors is highly perturbing to the system under test. Its nonlinear response to high fields requires a new nonlinear calibration technique. A nonlinear calibration method is explained and demonstrated to successfully measure high electric fields, as well as high voltages with dynamic range up to 50 dB. Furthermore, a SCOS can be fitted into narrow spaces and make highly localized measurements due to its small size. This allows a SCOS to be integrated inside a standard high voltage coaxial cable, such as RG-218. Effects of partial discharge and arcing is minimized by development of a fabrication method to avoid introduction of impurities, especially air-bubbles, into the cable during SCOS insertion. Low perturbation of the measured voltage is shown by simulating the introduced voltage reflections to be on the order of –50 dB. It is also shown that a SCOS can be inserted into other cables without significant perturbation to the voltage. A complete high voltage and high electric field measurement system is built based on the high-voltage modifications of the SCOS technology. The coaxial SCOS is enhanced for robustness. Enhancements include packaging a SCOS into stronger ceramic trough, strengthening the fiber with kevlar reinforced furcation tubing and protecting the sensor with metal braces and protective shells. The interrogator is protected from electromagnetic interference with an RF-shielded box. Reduction in power losses introduced by the new PANDA-SCOS technology allows interrogator bandwidths to be increased up to 1.2 GHz. The whole measurement process is streamlined with dedicated software, developed specifically for high voltage and electric field measurements with support for the nonlinear calibration.

A slab-coupled optical fiber sensor (SCOS) falls into a narrow class of all-dielectric optical fiber electric field sensors, which makes it a perfect candidate for measurements of high electric fields in environments where presence of conductors is highly perturbing to the system under test. Its nonlinear response to high fields requires a new nonlinear calibration technique. A nonlinear calibration method is explained and demonstrated to successfully measure high electric fields, as well as high voltages with dynamic range up to 50 dB. Furthermore, a SCOS can be fitted into narrow spaces and make highly localized measurements due to its small size. This allows a SCOS to be integrated inside a standard high voltage coaxial cable, such as RG-218. Effects of partial discharge and arcing is minimized by development of a fabrication method to avoid introduction of impurities, especially air-bubbles, into the cable during SCOS insertion. Low perturbation of the measured voltage is shown by simulating the introduced voltage reflections to be on the order of −50 dB. It is also shown that a SCOS can be inserted into other cables without significant perturbation to the voltage.A complete high voltage and high electric field measurement system is built based on the high-voltage modifications of the SCOS technology. The coaxial SCOS is enhanced for robustness. Enhancements include packaging a SCOS into stronger ceramic trough, strengthening the fiber with kevlar reinforced furcation tubing and protecting the sensor with metal braces and protective shells. The interrogator is protected from electromagnetic interference with an RF-shielded box. Reduction in power losses introduced by the new PANDA-SCOS technology allows interrogator bandwidths to be increased up to 1.2 GHz. The whole measurement process is streamlined with dedicated software, developed specifically for high voltage and electric field measurements with support for the nonlinear calibration.

<p>The task of the project was to evaluate a differential phase shift keying demodulation technique by replacing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer receiver with an optical filter (Fiber Bragg Grating). Computer simulations were made with single optical transmission, multi channel systems and transmission with combined angle/intensity modulated optical signals. The simulations showed good results at both 10 and 40 Gbit/s. Laboratory experiments were made at 10 Gbit/s to verify the simulation results. It was found that the demodulation technique worked, but not with satisfactory experimental results. The work was performed at Eindhoven University of Technology, Holland, within the framework of the STOLAS project at the department of Electro-optical communication.</p>

This thesis work deals with the development of three different categories of interrogation techniques for Fiber Bragg Grating based sensor networks. Such networks are used for structural health monitoring and other applications. A bulk grating based interrogation system is described first, which includes an optical source, switch, circulator, embedded controller, and software. The center wavelength determination technique employed is detailed and is shown to be highly accurate from test data. The comparison with resistance strain gauges is presented which shows that the system developed provides an accurate strain reconstruction. The system is also compared with a commercial optical spectrum analyzer and is found to exhibit good accuracy and fidelity. The system has been field tested on an aircraft structure with 14 sensors spread over 4 channels. Strain data reconstruction from these tests is shown to accurately reproduce the loading conditions. A second system developed is based on the matched filter technique using a mechanical fiber stretcher; the details of this system are presented with a mathematical treatment of the technique. The design of the fiber stretcher is also described. This design is regarded to be novel since it tries to provide large interrogation bandwidths using a parallel topology. The results of tests have shown good resolution and comparative tests with resistance strain gauges have shown accurate reproduction of strain. Finally, an interrogation system based on a wavelength tunable source is presented. This system is a precursor to a time division multiplexed interrogation system, which has also been described. Three laser configurations have been set up and characterized. The laser sweep tests have been performed on two configurations and a sensor grating reconstruction test has also been carried out.

The different topics covered in this thesis include photosensitivity in germanosilicate fibers/glasses and application of fiber Bragg grating sensors in simultaneous strain and temperature discrimination. Fiber Bragg Gratings are wavelength dispersive refractive index structures manufactured through ultra-violet (UV) exposure of optical fibers. Their applications range from wavelength division multiplexing filters, dispersion compensators and fiber laser resonators for telecommunication applications to different types of point or distributive sensors for a variety of applications. One aim of this thesis has been to understand the mechanism of photosensitivity in germanosilicate fibers/preforms. Studies undertaken in this part of the thesis include thermal dynamics of Fiber Bragg Gratings and nano-indentation on ultra-violet irradiated germanosilicate glass preforms. An interesting, periodic appearance of a new peak has been observed in the reflected spectrum of Bragg grating inscribed in a germanosilicate fiber during thermal treatment. The new peak occurs on the longer wavelength side of the spectrum during heating and on the shorter wavelength side during cooling, following an identical reverse dynamics. A commercial grating with 99.9% reflectivity also shows a similar decay dynamics. The observed temperature induced distortion in refractive index modulation profile has been understood in the light of compaction-densification model. It is proposed that during the fabrication process of a grating, the modulation in the thermal expansion coefficient brought about by the interference fringes results in a non-uniform expansion throughout the grating length which in turn results in the distortion of the refractive index profile with increase/decrease in temperature. Since the reflection spectrum of a grating can be approximated as the Fourier transform of the refractive index profile, any distortion in the index profile results in the observed anomalous behaviour in the reflection spectrum. Nano-indentation studies have been performed to measure the changes in mechanical properties of a glass preform subjected to different levels of ultra-violet exposure. The results reveal that short term exposure leads to an appreciable increase in the Young’s modulus suggesting the densification of the glass, confirming the compaction-densification model. However, on prolonged exposure, the Young’s modulus decreases, which provides the first direct evidence of dilation in the glass leading into the Type IIA regime. The present results rule out the hypothesis that continued exposure leads to an irreversible compaction and prove that index modulation regimes are intrinsic to the glass matrix. In the second part of the thesis, three different schemes have been proposed for the use of Fiber Bragg Gratings as strain-temperature discriminating sensors: (a) The first method is based on the measurement of the different characteristic wavelength shifts of two types of gratings. Strain and temperature sensitivities of a Type I Bragg grating (G1) in germania doped silica fiber, fabricated under normal conditions, and zero strain, are compared with that of a Bragg grating inscribed under pre-strained condition (G2). Experimental results show that both, strain and temperature sensitivities of G1 and that of G2 are different. Based on this study, we have proposed an approach which enables simultaneous discrimination of axial strain and temperature. (b) In the second method, a single sensing element has been used to encode strain and temperature into an additional parameter other than the wavelength shift. The thermal out-diffusion of germanium from the core of a photosensitive fiber under elevated temperature is exploited to form a Fabry-Perot filter with a single Fiber Bragg Grating. The filter is fabricated using the standard phase-mask technique and one-time exposure. Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis is used to measure the out-diffusion. The filter is used as a sensor for simultaneous measurement and discrimination of strain and temperature. The proposed technique, where a single grating is used to discriminate the parameters, provides a large advantage over other existing methods. (c) In the third method, a compact design based on cross-wire arrangement of Fiber Bragg Gratings having identical Bragg resonance and different reflectivity is proposed for simultaneously sensing strain (uniaxial) and temperature. Two gratings are assembled orthogonal to each other on an aluminium base. The cross-wire design allows the two sensors to experience the same temperature but different strain. The gratings are identified by their respective reflectivity and, strain and temperature are resolved from the shift in Bragg wavelength. The proposed design exploits the fact that strain is a vector and temperature is a scalar parameter. This sensor has wide industrial application in discriminating strain from temperature effects.

The task of the project was to evaluate a differential phase shift keying demodulation technique by replacing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer receiver with an optical filter (Fiber Bragg Grating). Computer simulations were made with single optical transmission, multi channel systems and transmission with combined angle/intensity modulated optical signals. The simulations showed good results at both 10 and 40 Gbit/s. Laboratory experiments were made at 10 Gbit/s to verify the simulation results. It was found that the demodulation technique worked, but not with satisfactory experimental results. The work was performed at Eindhoven University of Technology, Holland, within the framework of the STOLAS project at the department of Electro-optical communication.