In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article of manufacture, may operate to receive sensor information from a series of sensors coupled to a spiral-shaped optical fiber, wherein the sensor information comprises a signal integrating at least a location of one or more of the sensors along the optical fiber, and a physical parameter measurement. Further activity may include determining a physical property of material in a geological formation based on the physical parameter measurement. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.