Distributed strain sensing using frequency-modulated continuous-wave reflectometric optical technique

This paper presents an analysis describing the feasibility of a distributed optical fiber strain sensor whose principle of operation is based on the frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) reflectometry technique. The system consists of a frequency-swept laser diode and an unbalanced two-beam interferometer. In this system, the test arm comprises a number of single-mode fibers, which act as the sensing fibers, with a mirror at the far end and mechanical splices as the connectors, as well as the reflectors. Theoretical analysis shows that the measuring resolution of the strain is inversely proportional to the length of the sensing fiber. The strain variation of the sensing fiber is measured by demodulating the phase shift of the beat signal using a heterodyne signal processing system, and therefore the requirement of a high precision temperature control of the light source can be eliminated in this way. The comparison between the theoretical and experimental values of the strain resolution showed excellent agreement.