What is optical temperature sensing?

Faseroptischer Temperatursensor, Intelligentes Überwachungssystem, Verteilter Glasfaserhersteller in China

Principles and Applications

Optical fiber temperature sensing utilizes the relationship between the propagation characteristics of light in optical fibers and temperature changes. When light passes through an optical fiber, its propagation speed, wavelength, and attenuation are all affected by the ambient temperature. By monitoring the changes in these parameters, the temperature of the surrounding environment of the optical fiber can be indirectly measured.

Detailed guide for operation steps

Preparation stage
Select fiber type: Choose the appropriate fiber type based on the expected application scenario. For most temperature sensing applications, single-mode or multi-mode optical fibers can be used.
Light source selection: Select a laser source as the input light. Laser light sources can provide stable and controllable light signals, facilitating precise measurements.

Sensor fabrication and connection
Preparation of sensitive components: Bend or wrap the optical fiber into a specific shape to increase the contact area between the fiber and the object being measured, and improve temperature responsiveness.
Connect to detection equipment: Connect the optical fiber to the light source and receiving end through a coupler. Ensure that there are no air gaps at the connection points to reduce energy loss.

Data Collection and Analysis
Implement temperature measurement: Turn on the light source and adjust the output power to the appropriate level. Record the variation of light intensity in optical fibers over time and infer temperature information through a known mathematical model.
Data analysis: Use specialized software tools to process and analyze the collected data, and calculate temperature values. This process may involve steps such as correcting nonlinear effects and noise suppression.

Solving common problems and optimization strategies

Problem 1: Temperature drift issue
Solution: Adopt temperature compensation technology, such as using a temperature stable light source or adding auxiliary temperature detection devices such as thermocouples in the system to correct temperature effects in real time.

Problem 2: Increased fiber loss
Solution: Regularly clean the fiber optic interface to avoid increased losses caused by dust accumulation; Use high-quality fiber optic connectors to reduce losses caused by mechanical stress.

Question 3: Accuracy and Stability
Enhancement strategy: Adopt high-precision laser sources and receivers, optimize system design, such as introducing feedback control systems to enhance the dynamic response capability and stability of temperature sensing systems.

Summary of Q&A format

 

Question: How to ensure the accuracy of optical fiber temperature sensing?

Answer: Ensuring the accuracy of optical fiber temperature sensing requires multiple aspects, including selecting high-quality fibers, precise control of light source output, adopting advanced signal processing algorithms, and regular calibration and maintenance of the system.

Question: In which fields is optical fiber temperature sensing widely used?

Answer: Optical fiber temperature sensing has been widely used in various fields such as oil drilling, Luft- und Raumfahrt, Energietechnik, and medical research due to its high sensitivity and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Question: How to overcome the limitations of optical fiber temperature sensing?

Answer: To overcome the limitations of optical fiber temperature sensing, it is necessary to continuously improve materials and technologies, such as developing new fiber materials to reduce losses and improve sensitivity, while combining modern information technology to enhance system integration and intelligence, achieving higher precision and wider working range temperature measurement.