Distributed Temperature and Strain Measurements

Using standard telecom-grade fiber, Luna's OBR monitors changes in the amplitude and phase of the light that is naturally back-reflected from standard optical fiber. Thus, Fiber Bragg Gratings are not required in the sensing fiber – the fiber itself is the sensor.

Benefits of combining Distributed Temperature and Strain Sensing Software with the Optical Backscatter Reflectometer™ (OBR):

• Use standard telecom-grade fiber. No more expensive specialty fibers needed for measurements.
• Highly distributed fiber sensing for strain and temperature
• Very high spatial resolution: down to 2 mm
• Centimeter resolution up to 70 meters
• /- 0.1°C , /- 1µ strain resolution at 1 cm
• High speed – five second acquisition times at high resolution

Applications:

Short range communications networks (local intranet, fiber to the home, shipboard and aircraft data bus):

• Find high operational temperatures that degrade lifetime or performance of components
• Determine if strain induced during installation exceeds safe threshold
• Look for long-term strain concentrations that threaten fiber integrity

Structural monitoring for naval, aerospace and civil structures:

• Conformal deformation and shape sensing
• Composite damage assessment
• Bonded joint integrity monitoring

Temperature profile monitoring:

• Fuel cells
• Concrete cure temperature monitoring in large structures
• Industrial chemical process monitoring

Pipeline shift and leak detection
Electrical power line sag and temperature monitoring