Advanced strain measurement applications of fiber optic grating sensors

Fiber optic gratings have the potential to be used to support a wide variety of strain measurement applications. These applications include low cost longitudinal strain measurements at temperature ranges up to 800 degrees C, high performance multiaxis strain sensing and integrated strain measurements over long distances. In many cases these applications may require the unique properties associated with fiber optic sensors and in particular fiber optic gratings including small size, the ability to be embedded in a wide variety of materials, high immunity to electromagnetic interference and ease of multiplexing. This paper reviews and summarizes ongoing efforts to apply fiber optic grating technology to a variety of applications requiring the measurement of strain.