A Technology to (re-)Connect Optical Fibres Embedded in Composite Structures

Abstract

Optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are commonly used for structural health monitoring in composite materials, since their small dimensions, high sensitivity and multiplexing capacity are a good match with the structures to be monitored. We present a method for making a low-loss connection to an FBG optical fibre sensor that is integrated in a fibre reinforced composite structure. The method allows to both manufacture composite structure without taking special precautions to prevent damage to the connecting fibre and (if needed) to repair the connecting fibre, while optimizing the optical connection efficiency even if both fibres have dissimilar mode field diameters.

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References

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