The purpose of this project is to explore the FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) technology and create a force sensor. The result can be used as a basis for further projects.The project starts with force and strain measurements. The project then evolves to incorporate multiple FBG sensors. An uncommon method of writing the FBG withcoating is tested, which results in a FBG with most of the coating left.The result is a multi-FBG sensor. And even though the individual FBG is not linear the sum shows fantastic linearity with R-square of 0.99999. The change in wavelength is 1328pm/N. A common issue in the strain measurement is discussed and proof is provided. This shows that the reference value of the FBG is 1.12pm/μstrain instead of 1.21pm/μstrain. This is important if the FBG is mounted in a structure, because then the material proprieties will be dominating. Another result is that the peaks of Fabry Perot grating pair are linear but with different coecients.

The article describes measurements of strains of concrete, steel and textile reinforcement with distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS). The technology of distributed strain measurements gains currently increasing attention within the civil engineering field and indeed the DFOS can be applied in various measurement scenarios providing results and insights which were not possible before. Within this article, the fibers and adhesives that are most commonly used are compared and several measurement scenarios and their results are described, including precise strain measurements with high resolution as well as measurements on large-scale specimens. Concrete strains were measured in a multiaxial compression stress state and also during setting and hardening and in flexural tests. Strains of the steel and textile reinforcement were monitored along the bond zone and also in flexural tests. Finally, cracking patterns were observed and compared with digital image correlation methods. Validated examples of applications of DFOS in laboratory work are described.

As the light source, semiconductor laser diodes play an important role in the fiber-optic communication systems. The main function of a laser diode is to convert signals from the electrical domain to the optical carriers so that they can be transmitted through an optical fiber. Modeling and simulation of directly modulated laser diodes are necessary for understanding and prediction of their performance in fiber-optical communication links. The alternatives based on a comprehensive experimental evaluation are normally costly and time consuming. This is particularly true for systems running at high bit-rate such as the 10Gb/s transmission systems that are used in tele and data communication applications. This thesis presents a modeling and simulation study for directly modulated laser diodes for high-speed fiber-optical communication systems. The work is based on the conventional rate equation model used as the governing equation for the simulation of the behavior of semiconductor lasers. In modeling of the system performance, each device is treated as a symbolic node that takes input signal and generates output signal all in time domain. For the semiconductor lasers, the original signals in electrical domain are taken as the input while the modulated lights in optical domain are as the output. The rate equations then link the output to the input. For any given time domain signal input, the modulated light (power and wavelength) as the output is calculated through the solutions of the rate equations. In seeking for the solution to the rate equations, we utilized a numerical approach to solve the rate equations which are a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations where analytical solution does not generally exist. In this work, a comprehensive study on the behavior of semiconductor lasers has been performed through static and dynamic analyses of the rate equations. The noise characteristic is also examined as it may become a major concern in some applications for the noise of the directly modulated laser transmitter may cause degradation to the signals and therefore lead to system penalty. Further, the numerical models and simulators developed for semiconductor lasers are incorporated into a general simulation platform on which similar models and simulators for other optoelectronic and optical components are connected to form a system-level simulator for point-to-point multiple channel fiber-optical communication links. This platform is capable of handling different system configurations with different component selection options. It simulates the time domain waveform in any point along the signal transmission path following a strict data-flow approach; i.e., the simulation is performed sample-by-sample on “real time” rather than frame-by-frame at “flush” mode. Finally, the simulation results, both on the device level and on the system level, have been compared with the experimental data and the results from other models in literature and found qualitative agreement. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

ITC/USA 2006 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Second Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 23-26, 2006 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, California / In this paper we will present a new fiber sensor integrated monitor (FSIM) to be used in an embedded instrumentation system (EIS). The proposed system consists of a super luminescent diode (SLD) as a broadband source, a novel high speed tunable MEMS filter with built in photodetector, and an integrated microprocessor for data aggregation, processing, and transmission. As an example, the system has been calibrated with an array of surface relief fiber Bragg gratings (SR-FBG) for high speed, high temperature monitoring. The entire system was built on a single breadboard less than 50 cm² in area.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 30-November 02, 1995 / Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada / The necessity of supplying precise time information in large telemetry ground stations and astronomical observatories is very similar. Therefore the way of solving this problem as it is done in the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory can be easily adopted to telemetry stations and ranges, especially when fiber optics are used. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is building a new observatory in Chile for the Very Large Telescope (VLT). This VLT consists of 4 telescopes, each of them has a primary mirror diameter of 8 meters. the control architecture is based on workstations and VMEbus computers. The VMEbus computers are distributed over the whole building and are using real time operating system. Since the availability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) the generation of highly accurate timing signals on remote locations without the use of expensive Cesium standards does not create problems any more. However, distribution of a timing signal to many computer with high accuracy is an issue. The accuracy of the commonly used IRIG B-code is not adequate if the requirements are in the 10 microseconds range. This paper presents the design of a timing system that is adopted to the VLT. An overview of the requirements of the Time Reference System (TRS) is given. These requirements have been defined on the basis of experiences with the timing system of the ESO NTT telescope. The hardware units are described. These are a Central Time Standard, a Time Distribution System and a VME Time Interface Module. The distribution is based on fiber optic transmission, using a simple digital modulation that outperforms the analog IRIG B modulation. The Time Interface Module in the computer does not only perform the timing signal decoding but contains also user-programmable timers that are synchronously clocked from the time source. Presently all units of the TRS have been tested and the series production of the distribution and the Time Interface Modules are in progress.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 25-28, 1999 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / To meet the security constraints for mission control rooms; the rooms must interface to other systems via fiber optic cable. Analog data from DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) outputs were initially brought into the rooms on copper wire. This paper outlines the conversion to fiber optic cable using the AMD TAXI chips in our Optical Digital Interface (ODI).

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 25-28, 1999 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / This paper describes the design, configuration, testing, and performance of a Fiber Optic Link used to transmit the signals from a remotely located S-band telemetry system to the main facility at the Kwajalein Missile Range (KMR). This fiber optic system demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of linking RF data from multiple antennas via a single fiber and over a nearly 100-km distance. Measured data of key link parameters such as gain, bit-error-rate, crosstalk, phase and gain stability, dynamic range, and noise figure are presented.

O trabalho apresentado sob o título \"Análise e Síntese de Sistemas Multiplexados: Uma Abordagem de Confiabilidade e Manutenabilidade Operacional\" tem como objetivo propor um modelo prático para a manutenção, baseado na confiabilidade e manutenabilidade de componentes. Os dados desse trabalho foram obtidos através de relatórios gerenciais da Empresa de Telecomunicações de São Paulo S/A, no período de janeiro/05 a junho/06, para as topologias de rede em anel e ponto a ponto da cidade de São Paulo, municípios da Grande São Paulo, Vale do Paraíba e Litoral do Estado de São Paulo. Com esses dados, foi utilizado o algoritmo de Weibull, cujo modelo probabilístico permite modelar vários tipos de resultados experimentais e operacionais. Dessa forma, foram determinados a confiabilidade operacional, o Tempo Médio de Bom Funcionamento (MTTF), a manutenabilidade, o Tempo Médio de Reparo (MTTR) e a disponibilidade para os componentes da rede externa óptica e dos equipamentos de rede da topologia de rede em anel e ponto a ponto. Observou-se que o equipamento de rede de Multiplexação Densa por Divisão do Comprimento de Onda (DWDM) apresenta uma confiabilidade operacional maior que a dos Equipamentos de Rede Tradicionais (ERT), independente da topologia de rede utilizada. Comparando-se o custo de implantação de uma rede óptica com DWDM e ERT, a uma taxa de transmissão de 2,5 Gbps, pode ser verificado que o custo é aproximadamente sete vezes menor quando se utiliza a rede óptica com DWDM. Por fim, foi feita uma comparação entre o custo total e médio da manutenção corretiva e preventiva para as topologias analisadas. Assim, pode ser concluído que a tecnologia DWDM é a opção mais vantajosa em termos de confiabilidade e manutenabilidade em relação ao ERT. / The work presented under the heading \"Analysis and Synthesis of Multiplexed Systems: An Approach of Reliability and Operational Maintainability\" has as objective to consider a practical model for the maintenance, based on the reliability and maintainability of components. The data of this work had been gotten through management reports of the Company of Telecommunications of São Paulo S/A, in the period of january/05 to june/06, for the in ring and point to point network topologies of the city of São Paulo, cities of the Great São Paulo, Valley of Paraíba and the coast of the State of São Paulo. With these data, it was used the algorithm of Weibull, whose probabilistic model allows to model many types of experimentals and operationals results. Of this form, were determined the operational reliability, the Mean Time To Failure (MTTF), the maintainability, the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) and the availability for the components of the fiber optic external network and the network equipments of the in ring and point-to-point network topology. It was observed that the network equipment of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) presents a greater operational reliability that the Traditionals Network Equipments (ERT), independent of the network topology used. Comparing itself the cost of implantation of an fiber optic network with DWDM and ERT, to a rate of transmission of 2,5 Gbps, it could be verified that the cost is approximately seven times lesser when it is used the fiber optic network with DWDM. Finally, a comparison between the total and average cost of the corrective and preventive maintenance for the analyzed topologies was made. So, it can be concluded that the technology DWDM is the option most advantageous in terms of reliability and maintainability in relation to the ERT.

O trabalho apresentado sob o título \"Análise e Síntese de Sistemas Multiplexados: Uma Abordagem de Confiabilidade e Manutenabilidade Operacional\" tem como objetivo propor um modelo prático para a manutenção, baseado na confiabilidade e manutenabilidade de componentes. Os dados desse trabalho foram obtidos através de relatórios gerenciais da Empresa de Telecomunicações de São Paulo S/A, no período de janeiro/05 a junho/06, para as topologias de rede em anel e ponto a ponto da cidade de São Paulo, municípios da Grande São Paulo, Vale do Paraíba e Litoral do Estado de São Paulo. Com esses dados, foi utilizado o algoritmo de Weibull, cujo modelo probabilístico permite modelar vários tipos de resultados experimentais e operacionais. Dessa forma, foram determinados a confiabilidade operacional, o Tempo Médio de Bom Funcionamento (MTTF), a manutenabilidade, o Tempo Médio de Reparo (MTTR) e a disponibilidade para os componentes da rede externa óptica e dos equipamentos de rede da topologia de rede em anel e ponto a ponto. Observou-se que o equipamento de rede de Multiplexação Densa por Divisão do Comprimento de Onda (DWDM) apresenta uma confiabilidade operacional maior que a dos Equipamentos de Rede Tradicionais (ERT), independente da topologia de rede utilizada. Comparando-se o custo de implantação de uma rede óptica com DWDM e ERT, a uma taxa de transmissão de 2,5 Gbps, pode ser verificado que o custo é aproximadamente sete vezes menor quando se utiliza a rede óptica com DWDM. Por fim, foi feita uma comparação entre o custo total e médio da manutenção corretiva e preventiva para as topologias analisadas. Assim, pode ser concluído que a tecnologia DWDM é a opção mais vantajosa em termos de confiabilidade e manutenabilidade em relação ao ERT. / The work presented under the heading \"Analysis and Synthesis of Multiplexed Systems: An Approach of Reliability and Operational Maintainability\" has as objective to consider a practical model for the maintenance, based on the reliability and maintainability of components. The data of this work had been gotten through management reports of the Company of Telecommunications of São Paulo S/A, in the period of january/05 to june/06, for the in ring and point to point network topologies of the city of São Paulo, cities of the Great São Paulo, Valley of Paraíba and the coast of the State of São Paulo. With these data, it was used the algorithm of Weibull, whose probabilistic model allows to model many types of experimentals and operationals results. Of this form, were determined the operational reliability, the Mean Time To Failure (MTTF), the maintainability, the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) and the availability for the components of the fiber optic external network and the network equipments of the in ring and point-to-point network topology. It was observed that the network equipment of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) presents a greater operational reliability that the Traditionals Network Equipments (ERT), independent of the network topology used. Comparing itself the cost of implantation of an fiber optic network with DWDM and ERT, to a rate of transmission of 2,5 Gbps, it could be verified that the cost is approximately seven times lesser when it is used the fiber optic network with DWDM. Finally, a comparison between the total and average cost of the corrective and preventive maintenance for the analyzed topologies was made. So, it can be concluded that the technology DWDM is the option most advantageous in terms of reliability and maintainability in relation to the ERT.

In this dissertation, the rate of the BFD during body armor impact is characterized with fiber Bragg gratings for the first time ever. The depth rate is characterized using a single fiber optic sensor, while the entire shape rate can be characterized using multiple fiber optic sensors. This is done with a final depth accuracy of less than 10% and a timing accuracy of 15% for BFDs as deep as 50 mm and impact event of less than 1 millisecond. The shape sensing method introduced in this dissertation is different from traditional fiber optic sensor shape reconstruction methods in the fact that strain from the kinetic friction regime is used rather than the static friction regime. In other words, information from the fiber optic sensors slipping is used to reconstruct the shape in this work, whereas strain from the fiber optic sensor remaining fixed to a reference is used for typical fiber optic shape sensing purposes.