Parallel multiplexing in optical backscatter reflectometry by the use of nano-particles doped optical fiber

Carlo Molardi, Aidana Beisenova, Aizhan Issatayeva, Sanzhar Korganbayev, Wilfried Blanc, Daniele Tosi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR), based on Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry principles can transform a simple and cheap single mode fiber in an efficient spatially distributed (over the fiber length) sensor of temperature and strain variation. Nevertheless, the use of OBR is limited to function with a single sensing fiber. Connecting multiple fibers in parallel can be problematic. The scattering level of each fiber is of the same magnitude so that the backscattering cannot be discriminated. Unfortunately, particular medical applications, such as the guided insertion of needle or medical catheters, can benefit of multiple fiber sensors mounted in parallel. The adopted solution of switching between different sensors in different time frames if feasible, but it significantly reduces the interrogation frequency. In this work a new solution for overcoming this issue, by the use of a high scattering nano-particles doped fiber (NPDF), is proposed. This fiber presents a random distributed pattern of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, whose size varies between 20 to 100 nm, in the core. Its backscattering is 50 dB larger than a standard single mode fiber. The use a NPDF segment spliced to a standard single mode pigtail, with different lengths, such that the NPDF position corresponds to a pigtail on the other fibers, permits to connect them in parallel. Thus, the OBR can spatially resolve the NPDF high backscattering, since the single mode pigtail scattering is irrelevant. Experiments have shown positive results in the terms of temperature and strain discrimination.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX
EditorsIsrael Gannot, Israel Gannot
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510623866
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX 2019 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 2 2019Feb 3 2019

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume10872
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceOptical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications XIX 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/2/192/3/19

Keywords

  • High scattering fiber
  • Optical backscatter reflectometry
  • Optical fiber sensors
  • Spatial multiplexing.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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