Optical Fiber sensing of acoustic waves using overlapping FBGs

Abstract: The objective of this thesis was to investigate if an optical fiber sensing method with the use of two overlapping fiber Bragg gratings to measure Lamb wave $S_0$ modes in a steel plate, and how it would compare to traditional PZT transducers. A solution was proposed where the use of an optical fiber sensing system was built and took advantage of the strain dependence of a fiber Bragg grating mounted to a steel plate. Together with an overlapping reference fiber Bragg grating, the system can translate strain to light intensity. A method of controlling the Bragg wavelength of the reference fiber Bragg grating to optimize the overlap between the two fiber Bragg gratings, enabling the system to compensate for drift in the sensing fiber Bragg grating. Testing of the system was performed and yielded promising results, being able to measure the Lamb wave signal from the steel plate. The system showed some sensitivity limitations and signal to noise ratio, as well as the software created to compensate for the drift. With the improvement proposed for further work with the system in terms of improving the system's sensitivity, signal to noise ratio and drift control should make the system able to perform at levels as traditional PZT transducers.