Abstract:
An optical fiber sensor system includes a light source, a modulation unit, an optical coupler, a polarization separator, a first polarization controller optically coupled to the polarization separator, and a first detection unit that includes a first optical detector that receives the first component, converts the first component into a first electrical signal, and detects stress. The first polarization controller controls a polarization state of light input to the polarization separator so that the first electrical signal exhibits a first-order response to the stress.
Abstract:
An all-optical fiber sensor apparatus includes a light source and an in-line fiber polarizer that polarizes light received from the light source. The in-line fiber polarizer outputs light in a first polarization state which is directed to a polarization-maintaining fiber. After receiving the light in a first polarization state, the polarization-maintaining fiber transmits the light such that the light exits as light in a second polarization state. During measurements, the polarization-maintaining fiber contacts a test sample. A compression device compresses the test sample. The compression device applies a time varying force to the test sample in which the force is sequentially increased. A polarimeter receives the light in a second polarization state and outputs polarization state data for the light in a second polarization state. Finally, a data processor is in communication with the polarimeter to receive and stores the polarization state data.
Abstract:
Fiber optic cables with improved performance for use in distributed sensing, for instance in distributed acoustic sensors, are disclosed. In one embodiment a fiber optic cable (210) comprises a core (208) and cladding (206) disposed within a buffer material (202) and surrounded by a jacket (204) and arranged so that the core is offset from the center of the cable. By offsetting the core from the center of the jacket any bending effects on the core can be maximised compared with the core being located at the center of the cable.
Abstract:
There are provided an optical waveguide including cores arranged in a lattice form in which intersection loss is further reduced where, at each intersection of the cores including first and second cores extending in two intersecting directions, the first core is separated by the second core and a gap is formed between the second core and each of the end portions of the first core, and a position sensor using the same. The position sensor includes an optical waveguide including cores arranged in a lattice form. At each intersection of the cores including first and second cores extending in two intersecting directions, the first core is separated by the second core, and a gap is formed between the second core and each of the end portions of the first core. The width of the end portions of the first core is greater than the width of the second core.
Abstract:
A drilling optimization collar for use proximate a drilling tool within a wellbore includes a fiber optic sensor filament that is sized and configured to fit within a groove formed within the drilling optimization collar. The drilling optimization collar may be a pipe segment that is sized and configured to be installed in a drill string proximate the drilling tool, and may have a plurality of sensor elements. All or a portion of the sensor elements may be formed by discrete segments of the sensor filament, and as such, the sensor filament includes sensor elements that are configured to sense a condition of the wellbore and a load on the drilling optimization collar.
Abstract:
A sensor comprising an optical fiber that includes a Bragg grating and a longitudinal-strain-inducing (LSI) jacket for inducing longitudinal strain into the optical fiber as a function of a transverse load, i.e., pressure or force. As the LSI jacket induces strain into the optical fiber, the fiber grating deforms, thereby changing the character of light reflected from the grating. The changes in character of the reflected light can be measured using suitable optical instrumentation. Additional physical characteristics that can be measured/sensed using an LSI-jacket-based sensor include moisture content/presence, chemical content/presence, and temperature. A transverse-load-sensing sensor can include transverse-load-applying structures that compress the LSI jacket under transverse load, causing the jacket to controllably elongate and thereby induce longitudinal strain into the optical fiber. Chemical and moisture LSI jackets can comprise materials that swell in the presence of the chemical or moisture.
Abstract:
A fiber optic cable arrangement includes a core, a sheath surrounding the core and being strain locked to the core, and at least one optical fiber positioned within the sheath being strain locked to the core.
Abstract:
A drilling optimization collar for use proximate a drilling tool within a wellbore includes a fiber optic sensor filament that is sized and configured to fit within a groove formed within the drilling optimization collar. The drilling optimization collar may be a pipe segment that is sized and configured to be installed in a drill string proximate the drilling tool, and may have a plurality of sensor elements. All or a portion of the sensor elements may be formed by discrete segments of the sensor filament, and as such, the sensor filament includes sensor elements that are configured to sense a condition of the wellbore and a load on the drilling optimization collar.
Abstract:
A method for measuring the deformation of a specimen using an extensometer having a loop of a single-mode optical fiber. At least two points of the loop are attached to desired locations on a specimen. Light is transmitted through the loop and the transmitted optical power is measured by a photodetector. The deformation of the specimen causes the size and shape of the loop to change, which changes the transmitted optical power. The change in optical power is related to extension or compression using calibration curves. The sensor works on the principle of transmitted power modulation through the curved section.
Abstract:
An extensometer having a loop of a single-mode optical fiber. At least two points of the loop are attached to desired locations on a specimen. Light is transmitted through the loop and the transmitted optical power is measured by a photodetector. The deformation of the specimen causes the size and shape of the loop to change, which changes the transmitted optical power. The change in optical power is related to extension or compression using calibration curves. The sensor works on the principle of transmitted power modulation through the curved section.