Asymmetric transverse-load characteristics and polarization dependence of long-period fiber gratings written by a focused CO(2) laser

Asymmetric transverse-load characteristics and the polarization dependence of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) written by high-frequency CO(2) laser pulses are investigated in detail. It is demonstrated that the resonant wavelength is dependent on the direction of the applied force and on the polarization state of the input light; however, the coupling strength is independent of these parameters. When a transverse load is applied along different orientations of the LPFG, the resonant wavelength may be shifted toward the longer wavelength, the shorter wavelength, or hardly shifted, whereas the absolute value of peak transmission attenuation is linearly decreased with an increase of the applied transverse load, with almost no sensitivity to the load direction. These unique transverse-load characteristics and the polarization dependence are due to the load-induced birefringence that leads to the rotation of optical principal axes in the LPFG.     

Uniform amplitude multi-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode Brillouin–erbium fiber lasers

A multi-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) Brillouin–erbium fiber laser has been proposed and demonstrated by using the broadband linear gain and the narrow band gain of stimulated Brillouin scattering both in Er-doped fiber. Eight orders of lased Stokes have been observed with relatively uniform amplitudes and rigid spacing of 11?GHz. Each Stokes frequency works on SLM operation owing to very short oscillating cavity. The output signal-to-noise ratio is as high as 50?dB. The hybrid gain of two mechanisms in Er-doped fiber is helpful to improve the flatness of the multi-wavelength combs.     

Two-Layer Nanocoatings in Long-Period Fiber Gratings for Improved Sensitivity of Humidity Sensors

A relative humidity sensor based on the deposition of electrostatic self-assembled alumina ( $hbox{Al}_{2}hbox{O}_{3}$) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) on the cladding of a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) has been designed. The sensitive material has a lower refractive index than that of the fiber cladding, which limits the sensitivity of the LPFG response. In order to enhance its sensitivity, a previous high refractive index coating has been deposited. The overlay thickness is of the order of magnitude of the light wavelength used to interrogate the sensor. A theoretical model of multilayer cylindrical waveguides based on coupled-mode theory has been used to predict the phenomenon. Experimentally, an increased wavelength shift of the attenuation bands (75%) was obtained during the fabrication of the sensor, and, what is more important, the sensitivity was improved by a ratio of almost four. The proposed method improves the performance of LPFG-based sensors characterized by overlays of low refractive index.      

Refractive index and temperature sensors based on no-core fiber cascaded with long period fiber grating

A kind of compact fibre-optic sensor based on no-core fibre (NCF) cascaded with a strong coupling long-period fibre grating (LPFG) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensing mechanism is based on the Mach–Zehnder-like interference between the core fundamental mode and cladding mode of the fibre structure. The NCF and LPFG are used as the mode exciter and combiner, respectively. Due to the particular properties of the strong coupling LPFG, the measurements of refractive index (RI) and temperature with high sensitivity are realized by monitoring the transmission spectrum with intensity and wavelength interrogation techniques, respectively. The achieved RI sensitivity reaches ?580.269 dB/RIU in the range of 1.436–1.454 and the temperature sensitivity reaches 27.2 pm/°C.     

Nonlinear equalization for holographic data storage systems

Despite the fact that the channel in a holographic data-storage system is nonlinear, most of the existing approaches use linear equalization for data recovery. We present a novel and simple to implement nonlinear equalization approach based on a minimum mean-square-error criterion. We use a quadratic equalizer whose complexity is comparable to that of a linear equalizer. We also explore the effectiveness of a nonlinear equalization target as compared with the conventional linear target. Bit-error-rate (BER) performance is studied for channels having electronics noise, optical noise, and a different span of intersymbol interference. With a linear target, whereas the linear equalizer exhibits an error floor in the BER performance, the quadratic equalizer significantly improves the performance with no sign of error floor even up to 10(-7). With a nonlinear target, whereas the quadratic equalizer provides an additional performance gain of 1-2 dB, the error-floor problem of the linear equalizer has been considerably alleviated, thereby significantly improving the latter's performance. A theoretical performance analysis of the nonlinear receiver with non-Gaussian noise is also presented. A simplified approach is developed to compute the underlying probability density functions, optimum detector threshold, and BER using the theoretical analysis. Numerical results show that the theoretical predictions agree well with simulations.     

Thermal tuning of mechanically induced long-period fiber grating

We have developed a wideband tunable optical filter that uses a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) in which both resonance wavelength and its signal attenuation can be adjusted. We create the grating mechanically by pressing a spring coil to an optical fiber. We achieve continuous fine tuning of wavelength and attenuation by varying the temperature of the LPFG. The adjustable ranges of the LPFG are more than 200 nm in resonance wavelength and more than 10 dB in signal attenuation.     

基于双模LPFG折射率不敏感双参量传感器

环境折射率和环境温度变化是影响光纤应变测量误差的主要因素.本文利用双模光纤纤芯双模式(LP01和LP11)支持特性设计了一款环境折射率不敏感的双模光纤(DMF)长周期光纤光栅LPFG)应变传感器.设计了传感器模型结构,制作了最优化参数的传感器样品.实验测试了DMF-LPFG传感结构对外部环境中应变、温度和折射率的响应....     

基于干涉解调技术的光纤激光器水声传感系统

分析了基于Michelson干涉解调技术的光纤激光器水声传感的原理,在一段掺铒光纤中写入具有π相移的光纤光栅构成光纤激光器,水声压力作用在激光器上引起激光工作波长的变化;采用基于3×3耦合器的偏振无关的非平衡光纤Michelson干涉仪将激光波长变化转化为干涉仪的相位变化;干涉仪的输出由光电探测器转换后使用DSP进行信号解调.针对3×3耦合器分光比不对称的问题,本文提出利用实时调整幅度的2路干涉信号进行解调的方案,该方案不需要3×3耦合器有严格的分光比,消除了外界环境对解调输出的非线性影响.水声探测实验表明,光纤激光器水声传感系统的声压灵敏度为-166.5 dB(参考值1 rad/μPa),解调结果与水声信号具有良好的线性关系.     

基于LPFG微弯特性的高精度位移检测系统

在研究长周期光纤光栅(LPFG)温度及微弯特性的基础上,通过引入聚合物温度增敏封装后的光纤布拉格光栅(FBG)作为解调滤波器,搭建了温度自补偿微位移检测系统.将LPFG粘贴于试件上进行微弯测试,在固定波长处.其插入损耗的变化与弯曲度变化呈线性关系.为解决LPFG带宽宽、谐振波长难以精确测量的问题,选择特定波长的FBG作为滤波器,实现了位移检测系统的功率化解调.同时,对FBG利用聚合物进行了温度增敏封装,使其温度灵敏度与LPFG尽量相同,消除了温度对系统的影响.试验结果表明,传感系统输出的光功率与微位移呈良好的线性关系,位移灵敏度为2μW/mm,分辨力为0.5×10-2 mm.所设计的系统结构简单、灵敏度高、线性度好,不受外界温度干扰.     

Prototype CO2 laser-induced long-period fiber grating variable optical attenuators and optical tunable filters

Prototype devices capable of variable attenuation at a fixed wavelength, wavelength tuning at a constant attenuation, and combinations of these spectral characteristics are demonstrated in CO2 laser-induced long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs). These devices are based on controlled flexure by means of a piezoceramic platform. CO2 laser-induced LPFG characteristics along with the fabrication and testing processes of these gratings are discussed. Devices with a optical attenuation of 13 dB and a wavelength tuning of 7 nm are reported.     

Rate-dependent tensile behavior of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites

High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HPFRCC) show strain hardening behavior accompanied with multiple micro-cracks under static tension. The high ductility and load carrying capacity resulting from their strain hardening behavior is expected to increase the resisting capacity of structures subjected to extreme loading situations, e.g., earthquake, impact or blast. However, the promise of HPFRCCs for dynamic loading applications stems from their observed good response under static loading. In fact, very little research has been conducted to investigate if their good static response translates into improved dynamic response and damage tolerance. This experimental study investigates the tensile behavior of HPFRCC using High strength steel fibers (High strength hooked fiber and twisted fiber) under various strain rates ranging from static to seismic rates. The test results indicate that the tensile behavior of HPFRCC using twisted fiber shows rate sensitivity while that using hooked fiber shows no rate sensitivity. The results also show that rate sensitivity in twisted fibers is dependent upon both fiber volume fraction and matrix strength, which influences the interface bond properties.     

High sensitivity optical fiber current sensor based on polarization diversity and a Faraday rotation mirror cavity

A novel high sensitivity optical fiber current sensor (OFCS) based on polarization diversity and a Faraday rotation mirror cavity is proposed and demonstrated. Comparing with single-channel detection in a conventional OFCS, a signal power gain of 6?dB and a signal-to-noise ratio improvement of over 30?dB have been achieved in the new scheme. The cavity amplifies magnetic field-induced nonreciprocal phase modulation, while the Faraday rotation mirrors suppress the reciprocal birefringence. A linear response is obtained for current amplitude as low as several mA at an AC frequency of 1?kHz.     

Design of pH Sensors in Long-Period Fiber Gratings Using Polymeric Nanocoatings

In this paper, two different pH sensors based on the deposition of nanometric scale polymeric films onto the surface of a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) have been studied and compared. An electrostatic self-assembled (ESA) method has been used to create sensitive films with an optimal overlay thickness. Two types of sensors have been designed: The first one is based on polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and the second one was done incorporating the pigment Prussian blue (PB) in the PAH/PAA matrix. A theoretical model of multilayer cylindrical waveguides based on coupled-mode theory has been used to predict the position of the attenuation bands as a function of the overlay thickness. Both sensors were tested and compared in terms of sensitivity and response time. A faster response was obtained with the introduction of PB particles in the polymeric matrix. Linear sensors in the pH range 4-7 were obtained, showing good repeatability and high sensitivity     

Chirped switchable reflection grating in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal for spectral flattening in free-space optical communication systems

We report the design and fabrication of a chirped switchable reflective grating (CSRG) recorded in a holographic polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal material. This CSRG is a spatial wavelength-selective flattener in a free-space dynamic gain equalizer for use in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) networks. Prelimenary experimental results show that this device permits the management of the spectral power of a WDM stream with an attenuation range of 6 dB. The polarization-dependent loss introduced by the CSRG is shown to be less than 0.1 dB.     

Optical fiber long-period grating humidity sensor with poly(ethylene oxide)/cobalt chloride coating

A long-period fiber grating (LPFG) humidity sensor is reported utilizing poly(ethylene oxide)/cobalt chloride (PEO/CoCl2) as a hybrid hygrosensitive cladding coating. A thin overlay of the material is deposited on the LPFG and with exposure to different ambient humidity levels, its spectral properties are modified. The material parameters associated with the sensing mechanism may include those of refractive index, absorption, and morphological alterations of the overlaid material. Relative humidity variations in the range from 50% to 95% have been detected with a resolution better than 0.2%. The response time constant of the fiber sensor is of the order of a few hundred milliseconds.     

CO2 laser-grooved long period fiber grating temperature sensor system based on intensity modulation

A long period fiber grating (LPFG) temperature sensor system based on intensity modulation is developed. The LPFG employed is fabricated by the use of a focused CO2 laser beam to carve periodic grooves on the fiber. The temperature measurement resolution of up to 0.1 degrees C has been obtained within the temperature range between 20 degrees C and 100 degrees C. The system uses a simple intensity measurement method and exhibits the advantages of convenient intensity measurement, double temperature sensitivity, high resolution, simple configuration, and low cost.     

High sensitivity of taper-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer embedded in a thinned optical fiber for refractive index sensing

A taper-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) embedded in a thinned optical fiber is demonstrated as a highly sensitive refractive index (RI) sensor. A RI sensitivity of 2210.84 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) is obtained at the external RI of 1.40, which is ten times higher than that of normal taper- and long-period fiber grating (LPFG)-based sensors. The sensitivity can be further improved by decreasing the diameter of the thinned fiber and increasing the interferometer length of the MZI. The proposed MZIs have lower temperature sensitivities compared with normal fiber sensors, which is a desirable merit for RI sensors to reduce the cross sensitivity caused by thermal drift.     

Design of Long-Period Fiber Grating Refractometric Sensors With Linear Response by a Genetic Algorithm

A new method for the design of optical fiber refractometric sensors based on nonuniform long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) is presented. A specialized genetic algorithm (GA) with properly designed operators is a fundamental element of this method and performs the theoretical synthesis of a necessary nonuniform LPFG period profile. Such a profile yields a linear response of the sensor to the refractive index of the external medium. A distinctive feature of the designed LPFG is a linear gradient of the core and cladding refractive index along the grating length. Also, a new mathematical model of nonuniform LPFGs is presented, the model permits to take into account the effect of some LPFG sections of a lower and others of a higher cladding refractive index than that of the external medium. The application of both the design method and the mathematical model is illustrated with a numerical example.     

A novel optical device with wide-bandwidth wavelength conversionand an optical sampling experiment at 200 Gbit/s

This paper reports the characteristics of our proposed prototype optical parametric diffuser (OPD). An OPD is based on the theory of four-wave mixing (FWM) in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). However, to improve the conversion bandwidth and FWM efficiency, the gain bandwidth is spread and the gain peak wavelengths are set to a wavelength near the FWM light on the short-wavelength side by combining different MQW active layers. We measured the optical gain characteristics; the fiber-to fiber gain was 16.1 dB and the gain bandwidth over 8 dB was 117 nm when driven at 200 mA dc, and 190 nm when driven by an 800 mA pulse current. In a wavelength-conversion experiment, a high conversion efficiency of ⩾-20 dB was obtained across a detuning wavelength bandwidth of 43 nm. A clear waveform was obtained in an optical sampling experiment to measure 200 Gbit/s optical data sequences     

Analysis of a biphase-based servo format for hard-disk drives

Biphase modulation in an embedded-servo format for hard-disk drives is investigated. It is shown that for biphase, at the low linear densities typical of servo information, near-maximum-likelihood performance can be attained by a simple bit detector consisting of a full-response linear equalizer and a binary slicer. Compared to the commonly used method of dibit coding, a signal-to-noise ratio gain of some 4 dB is achieved. The same equalizer may be used as the basis for near-maximum-likelihood position error signal amplitude estimation and timing recovery. Simulations of a practical servo demodulator based on a fifth-order analog filter show that at typical linear densities, this ideal performance is closely approached. The equalizer has a band-pass character and yields excellent suppression of the effects of thermal asperities and magneto-resistive head asymmetry