Polarimetric distributed Bragg reflector fiber laser sensor array for simultaneous measurement of transverse load and temperature

A polarimetric fiber laser sensor array based on wavelength/beat frequency hybrid interrogation approach for simultaneous measurement of transverse load and temperature is presented and experimentally demonstrated. Operation principle of the hybrid interrogation approach has been theoretically analyzed, which is validated by our experimental results. The shift of beat frequency and laser wavelength in response to the change of transverse load and temperature allows for simultaneous dual-parameter discrimination. Experimental results indicate that laser beat frequency is highly sensitive to transverse load and temperature while laser wavelength is insensitive to transverse load. And the temperature sensitivities of laser wavelength have the same magnitude as common FBG sensors. The proposed active sensor array with simple configuration has considerable potential applications for future fiber sensor networks.

► A polarimetric fiber laser is employed as an active dual-parameter sensor.
► The laser beat frequency is sensitive to temperature and transverse load.
► The temperature-sensitive laser wavelength is insensitive to transverse load.
► Wavelength/frequency hybrid interrogation promises dual-parameter measurement.
► Two sensors are cascaded to preliminarily demonstrate an active sensing array.