Patent Description:
In recent years, optical fiber sensors using an optical fiber where a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is formed have been used as pressure sensors or strain sensors and the like. Such optical fiber sensors measure pressure or strain amount based on a variation of a Bragg wavelength in response to a deformation of the optical fiber.

As it is publicly known, a Bragg wavelength is determined by a refractive index of an optical fiber and a grating space of diffraction grating. Thus, the Bragg wavelength varies by a variation of the refractive index caused by temperature variation, or expansion and contraction of the optical fiber as well. In other words, under temperature-uncontrolled environment, it is unable to distinguish whether the variation in the Bragg wavelength is caused by pressure or strain, or temperature variation on a measurement object. Consequently, to accurately obtain pressure or strain on the measurement object, temperature compensation for eliminating the variation of the Bragg wavelength caused by temperature variation is required.

As a method for such temperature compensation, for example, an FBG for temperature compensation is arranged to measure only the variation of the Bragg wavelength caused by temperature variation (for example, see patent documents <NUM> and <NUM>). The FBG for temperature compensation is arranged adjacent to an FBG for measuring such as pressure or strain. A measurement value obtained by the FBG for measurement is corrected based on a measurement value of the FBG for temperature compensation. In this example, the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation can be arranged either in series or in parallel.

As another method, a physical structure that suppresses a variation of a Bragg wavelength caused by temperature variation is adopted in an FBG for measuring such as pressure or strain (for example, see patent documents <NUM> and <NUM>). The patent document <NUM> discloses a strain gauge adopting a physical structure where a thin part having spring characteristics generated by providing a void part connects two thick parts in a gauge base supporting an optical fiber. The thick parts of the gauge base are fixed on a measurement object in this structure. Expansion of the thick parts with a rise in temperature compresses the both sides of the thin parts. A dimension of each part of the gauge is designed so that the largeness of compression force can cancel the variation of the Bragg wavelength generated in an FBG for measurement. The Patent document <NUM> discloses a strain sensor where an FBG for measurement and measurement object to which strain is applied are fixed with a temperature compensation member therebetween. The temperature compensation member is made from a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is a positive/negative reversed value to a coefficient of thermal expansion of an optical fiber.

Further, as another method, a patent document <NUM> discloses a mechanical sensor where an FBG having uniform grating spaces is adhered and fixed to a tensile member having a part which generates non-uniform strain when tension force is added. In this configuration, when the tension force is added, the grating spaces of the FBG become non-uniform and a bandwidth of reflected wave becomes widen. While, when temperature variation occurs, a Bragg wavelength varies but the bandwidth does not vary. As a result, the mechanical sensor is assumed to be able to measure strain unaffected by temperature variation by measuring the bandwidth variation.

<CIT> discloses a sensor capable of measuring a number of physical parameters in a harsh environment.

<CIT> publishes a wavelength-coded fiber Bragg grating pressure sensor which is suitable, in particular, for use in the case of high pressures and temperatures in oil drill holes.

However, the conventional methods for temperature compensation as described above respectively has problems and are not satisfactory.

As disclosed in the patent document <NUM>, in the configuration where the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are provided, the Bragg wavelength of the FBG for measurement and the Bragg wavelength of the FBG for temperature compensation are set in different Bragg wavelengths respectively. Thereby, each of the FBGs can specify reflected light easily. However, such configuration requires a plurality of FBGs even if the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are arranged in series or in parallel, thereby costs of optical fiber sensor become expensive. Since the patent document <NUM> discloses a technology where measurement is performed for light intensity but not for a wavelength of reflected light, the Bragg wavelength of the FBG for measurement and the Bragg wavelength of the FBG for temperature compensation become equal. However, even when the Bragg wavelengths are equal, two FBGs need to be formed on the optical fiber so that the cost of optical fiber sensor remains expensive.

As it is publicly known, a widely used processing method for forming an FBG on an optical fiber is to expose the optical fiber to ultraviolet light through a mask. A plurality of grooves is periodically formed on a surface of the mask facing the optical fiber, and ultraviolet light forms periodic interference fringes (variations in light intensity) on the optical fiber whose period is determined by the period of groove. This processing method with use of the interference fringe generates a change in a periodic refractive index in the optical fiber core. One type of mask is used as such mask is very expensive. When the FBGs with different Bragg wavelengths are formed, a method where the optical fiber is exposed in a state of being extended in an axial direction with tension applied is used as well.

According to the above processing method, since it is difficult that FBGs with different Bragg wavelengths are formed closely on the same optical fiber, the FBG for measurement is formed in a state of being some tens of mm apart from the FBG for temperature compensation. Thus, the optical fiber sensor provided with the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation has difficulty in downsizing. Even when the optical fiber sensor has a structure where the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are formed on different optical fibers, two optical fibers are required, and thus the optical fiber sensor has difficulty in downsizing.

Additionally, in an aspect of measurement accuracy, it is preferable that the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are adjacently arranged. For example, when an object measurement of the optical fiber sensor has a rigid body with temperature distribution (for example, a concrete wall), if the FBG for measurement is formed in a state of being some tens of mm apart from the FBG for temperature compensation, temperature differences between these FBGs occur. That may generate an extremely large error at a measurement value (a strain value). When the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are formed on different optical fibers, it is relatively easier to arrange the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation adjacently. Even when the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation are formed on one optical fiber, if both FBGs are largely apart, the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation can be arranged adjacently by bending the optical fiber. However, achievement of downsizing is difficult due to a presence of the optical fiber between the FBG for measurement and the FBG for temperature compensation or the presence of the two optical fibers in these structures.

The FBGs with different Bragg wavelengths can be formed adjacently on the same optical fiber by using a plurality of masks corresponding to desired Bragg wavelengths in processing the optical fiber. However, such method requires preparation of an expensive mask for each desired Bragg wavelength, thereby the cost of the optical fiber becomes more expensive.

Meanwhile, when the configuration where the physical structure suppresses the variation of the Bragg wavelength caused by temperature variation as disclosed in the patent documents <NUM> and <NUM> is adopted, for example, the physical structure is designed by using a standard coefficient thermal expansion. However, such coefficient thermal expansion is obtained from a pure material, and it is easily presumable that a coefficient thermal expansion of a commercially available mass-produced material does not completely coincide with the standard coefficient thermal expansion. In other words, since this type of the optical fiber sensor has an individual difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion, temperature compensation of the uniformed physical structure is likely to generate variations in accuracy of the temperature compensation. Also, since the coefficient of thermal expansion itself has temperature dependence, the coefficient of thermal expansion can only be used within a limited range where the coefficient of thermal expansion is deemed to be fixed on the temperature compensation using the physical structure. Thus, this configuration requires an optical fiber sensor for every temperature of a measurement object. Further, on the temperature compensation using the physical structure, time is needed for deformation of the physical structure responding to the temperature variations. Thus, that prevents from responding to the temperature variation in a short time.

The technology disclosed in the patent document <NUM> requires detecting a bandwidth variation. Thus, a user who has conventionally measured pressure or strain by detecting the Bragg wavelength (peak wavelength) of reflective wave by using such as a measuring instrument needs to introduce another measuring instrument to detect the bandwidth of reflective wave.

The present invention is designed in view of such conventional arts, and an objective of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber sensor which allows FBGs with different Bragg wavelengths to be arranged extremely adjacent to one another on one optical fiber. Another objective is to provide a downsized optical fiber sensor capable of compensating temperature by using such structure.

The present invention adopts following technical methods to attain the above-described objectives. First, the present invention is based on an optical fiber sensor having an optical fiber and a base supporting the optical fiber. The optical fiber sensor in accordance with the present invention includes a first fixation member configured to fix the optical fiber on the base at a fixation position set on an installation surface for the optical fiber on the base in a state where a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is arranged in the optical fiber in one side of the fixation position and the optical fiber sensor in the other side of the fixation position respectively. Further, the optical fiber sensor includes a second fixation member configured to fix the optical fiber on the base in one side of the fixation position in a state where tension is applied to a first FBG which is the FBG of the optical fiber in the one side of the fixation position. Further, the optical fiber sensor includes a third fixation member configured to fix the optical fiber on the base at the other side of the fixation position in a state where tension different from the tension for the first FBG is applied to a second FBG which is the FBG of the optical fiber in the other side of the fixation position and in a state where a Bragg wavelength of the second FBG is different from a Bragg wavelength of the first FBG.

In the optical fiber sensor of the present invention, the optical fiber is fixed on the base in a state where tension applied to the first FBG of the optical fiber in one side of the fixation position and tension applied to the second FBG of the optical fiber in the other side of the fixation position are different. Thus, for example, when the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG without tension applied and the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG without tension applied are equal, the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs are respectively adjusted to desired Bragg wavelengths. Such adjustment allows to realize relatively easily to a downsized optical fiber sensor where the FBGs with the different Bragg wavelengths are arranged extremely adjacent to one another in one optical fiber.

For example, in this optical fiber sensor, a structure where the optical fiber includes one FBG having a single Bragg wavelength can be adopted. In this structure, a part of the one FBG constitutes the first FBG and another part of the one FBG constitutes the second FBG. Also, a structure where the optical fiber includes two FBGs having the equal Bragg wavelengths can be adopted. In this structure, ether one of the two FBGs constitutes the first FBG and the other of the two FBGs constitutes the second FBG.

Further, in the above optical fiber sensor, a structure where, based on previously obtained temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG and previously obtained temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG, temperature compensation with respect to a variation of the Bragg wavelength of either one of the FBGs is performed can be adopted. That allows to realize a downsized optical fiber sensor capable of temperature compensation.

Further, in the above optical fiber sensor, a structure where the base includes a diaphragm for pressure detection, ether one of the first FBG and the second FBG is arranged in contact with the diaphragm, and the other FBG is arranged at a position which is different from a position on the diaphragm can be adopted. Also, in the above optical fiber sensor, a structure where the base includes a first base and a second base which are configured to be capable of independently moving one another, and either one of the first FBG and the second FBG is arranged on the first base and at least a part of the other FBG is arranged between the first base and the second base can be adopted.

The present invention allows to realize relatively easily a downsized optical fiber sensor where the FBGs with the different Bragg wavelengths are arranged extremely adjacent to one another in one optical fiber. Also, a downsized optical fiber which enables temperature compensation with use of above structure can be realized.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. First, a basic structure of an optical fiber sensor in accordance with the present invention is described. According to this basic structure, the optical fiber sensor is configured by one optical fiber which is fixed on a base.

<FIG> are schematic structural views showing an example of the basic structure of the optical fiber sensor in accordance with this embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic view showing an installation surface of a base for an optical fiber. <FIG> is a schematic view showing the optical fiber before being fixed to the base. In this example, the optical fiber has a structure where a core which propagates light and a cladding which surrounds a periphery of the core and reflects propagating light in the core to the core side are arranged in order from the center. In <FIG>, the optical fiber is schematically shown as the core and the cladding arranged in the periphery of the core.

As shown in <FIG>, the optical fiber sensor <NUM> is provided with an optical fiber <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a first fixation member <NUM>, a second fixation member <NUM> and a third fixation member <NUM>. Only outer shapes of the first fixation member <NUM>, the second fixation member <NUM> and the third fixation member <NUM> are shown by broken lines in the diagram.

The first fixation member <NUM> fixes the optical fiber <NUM> on the base <NUM> at a fixation position <NUM> which is set on the installation surface of the base <NUM>. Here, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the base <NUM> in a state where a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is arranged in one side of the fixation position <NUM> of the optical fiber <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber 10a) and the other side of the fixation position <NUM> of the optical fiber <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber 10b) respectively. For example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive can be used for the first fixation member <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto. Herein, the ultraviolet curing adhesive applied like a spot is used as the fixation member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, one FBG <NUM> having a single Bragg wavelength is formed in the optical fiber <NUM> and, in this example, substantially center thereof is fixed to the fixation position <NUM>. Thus, the FBG <NUM> is arranged in one side of the fixation position <NUM> and the other side of the fixation position <NUM> respectively. Hereinafter, the FBG <NUM> in one side of the fixation position <NUM> is referred to as a first FBG 11a. Also, the FBG <NUM> on the other side of the fixation position <NUM> is referred to as a second FBG 11b. The FBG is illustrated by straight lines at equal intervals in the core in the <FIG> for convenience. Also, the intervals of the straight lines schematically show tension applied to the FBG.

The second fixation member <NUM> fixes the optical fiber <NUM> on the base <NUM> in a state where tension (pre-tension) is applied to the first FBG 11a which is in one side of the fixation position <NUM> and is the FBG in the optical fiber 10a being in one side of the fixation position <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, herein, the first fixation member <NUM> and the second fixation member <NUM> fix the both ends of the first FBG 11a on the base <NUM>, and thereby the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the base <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto. In this structure, for example, if the Bragg wavelength of the FBG <NUM> without tension applied is λ0, the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a with tension applied is to be λ1(λ1>λ0) unlike λ0. For example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive may be used for the second fixation member <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto. Herein, the ultraviolet curing adhesive which is applied like a spot is used as the fixation member <NUM>.

The third fixation member <NUM> fixes the optical fiber <NUM> on the base <NUM> in a state where tension which is different from the tension applied to the first FBG 11a is applied to the second FBG 11b which is the FBG in the optical fiber 10b being in the other side of the fixation position <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, herein, the first fixation member <NUM> and the third fixation member <NUM> fix the both ends of the second FBG 11b on the base <NUM>, and thereby the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the base <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto. In this structure, if the tension in the second FBG 11b is smaller than the tension in the first FBG <NUM>1a, the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b with tension applied is to be λ2(λ1>λ2>λ0) unlike λ1. For example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive may be used for the third fixation member <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto. Herein, the ultraviolet curing adhesive which is applied like a spot is used as the fixation member <NUM>.

Although the state where the tension is applied to the second FBG 11b is exemplified as an especially preferred embodiment herein, the tension in the second FBG 11b may be different from the tension applied to the first FBG 11a. In other words, "tension which is different from the tension in the first FBG" is applied to the second FBG 11b in the present invention includes zero tension. In this case, the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b is to be λ0.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a spectrum of reflected light when wide-bandwidth light including the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b is entered in the optical fiber <NUM> of above-described optical fiber sensor <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as the spectrum of reflected light). A horizontal axis corresponds to a wavelength of reflected light and a vertical axis corresponds to an intensity of reflected light in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the spectrum of reflected light has peaks at λ1 for the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and λ2 for the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b respectively.

The following describes the above change in the spectrum of reflected light. Here, the case where the first FBG 11a functions as an FBG for temperature compensation and the second FBG 11b functions as an FBG for pressure measurement is exemplified. For example, when the optical fiber sensor <NUM> is a pressure sensor having a diaphragm for pressure detection, this state corresponds to a state where the first FBG 11a is arranged at a position which is different from the diaphragm and the second FBG 11b is arranged in contact with the diaphragm.

The <FIG> are diagrams showing examples of the above-described spectrum of reflected light when temperature variations or pressure variations are generated. The <FIG> is a schematic view showing a change in the spectrum of reflected light when only temperature variations (temperature rises) are generated to the optical fiber sensor <NUM> in a state where pressure applied to the diaphragm is unchanged. The <FIG> is a schematic view showing a change in the spectrum of reflected light when only pressure variations (pressure rises) applied to the diaphragm are generated at fixed temperature. The <FIG> is a schematic view showing a change in the spectrum of reflected light when temperature variations (temperature rises) and a variation in pressure (pressure rise) applied to a diaphragm are generated simultaneously in the optical fiber sensor <NUM>. In <FIG>, the spectrums of reflected light before the variations are shown by broken lines.

As shown in <FIG>, when only temperature variations are generated, refractive index variations and expansion are generated due to the temperature variations in both the first FBG 11a for temperature compensation and the second FBG <NUM> b for pressure measurement. Thus, the Bragg wavelengths of the both FBGs 11a and 11b shift in a direction where the Bragg wavelengths become larger. As shown in <FIG>, when only the pressure variations are generated, the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b for pressure measurement shifts in a direction where the wavelength becomes larger responding to deformation of the diaphragm accompanied with the pressure variations. At this time, the first FBG 11a for temperature compensation is unchanged, and thus the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a is unchanged.

In case that both the temperature variations and the pressure variations are generated, that leads to a state where the above variations are combined. In other words, as shown in <FIG>, only the wavelength shift responding to the temperature variations is generated in the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a, and the wavelength shift responding to the temperature variations and the pressure variations are simultaneously generated in the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b.

For example, when the Bragg wavelength shift amount in the first FBG 11a is <NUM> and the Bragg wavelength shift amount in the second FBG 11b is <NUM> in <FIG>, and suppose the wavelength shift amount only by the temperature variations in the first FBG <NUM>1a is the same as that in the second FBG 11b in <FIG>, <NUM> - <NUM> = <NUM> is the Bragg wavelength shift amount in <FIG> generated only by the pressure variations. The Bragg wavelength shift amount in the first FBG 11a and the Bragg wavelength shift amount in the second FBG 11b are measured in this manner, thereby the temperature compensation can be realized.

However, more strictly speaking, the Bragg wavelength shift amount in the first FBG 11a generated only by the temperature variations does not completely coincide with the Bragg wavelength shift amount in the second FBG 11b generated only by the temperature variations as shown in <FIG>. That is attributed to differences in fixed states of the optical fiber <NUM> (for example, temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength from an amount or a fixation width of each fixation member <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) in the first FBG Ila and the second FBG 11b, or a difference in an intensity of the tension applied to the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b.

The <FIG> are diagrams showing examples of temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelengths of the first FBG and the second FBG. <FIG> is a diagram showing the temperature dependence of the first FBG 11a for the temperature compensation, and <FIG> is a diagram showing the temperature dependence of the second FBG 11b for the pressure measurement. A horizontal axis corresponds to temperature and a vertical axis corresponds to the Bragg wavelength shift amount in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, both of the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs have high linearity to temperature variations. Also, it can be understood that a variation amount of the Bragg wavelength to temperature variations (or, the Bragg wavelength shift amount per unit temperature change) in the first FBG 11a is different from that in the second FBG 11b.

In this manner, the Bragg wavelength shift amounts are different between the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b when the temperature variations are generated in the optical fiber sensor <NUM>, thereby temperature compensation is implemented in accordance with an expression (<NUM>) below in this embodiment.

In the expression (<NUM>), a difference Δλ1 is the Bragg wavelength shift amount of the FBG (herein, the first FBG 11a) for temperature compensation. A difference Δλ2 is the Bragg wavelength shift amount of the FBG (herein, the second FBG 11b) for pressure measurement. A constant K1 is the Bragg wavelength variation amount to the temperature variation of the FBG for temperature compensation (or, an inclination of temperature dependence shown in <FIG>). A constant K2 is the Bragg wavelength variation amount to the temperature variation of the FBG for pressure measurement (or, an inclination of temperature dependence shown in <FIG>. A constant A is a coefficient for converting the Bragg wavelength shift amount into a value responding to a measurement object. Herein, the constant A is a constant for converting the Bragg wavelength shift amount into a pressure value.

As described above, because of the fixed state of the optical fiber <NUM> or the intensity of tension applied to the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b, with respect to the Bragg wavelength variation amount to the temperature variation of the FBGs, an individual difference is generated in every optical fiber sensor <NUM>. The constants K1 and K2 can be easily obtained by measuring the Bragg wavelength shift amount of each of the FBGs 11a and 11b while changing ambient temperature within such as a thermostatic chamber. Therefore, temperature compensation reflecting the individual difference of the optical fiber sensor <NUM> can be implemented by using the constants K1 and K2 obtained in every optical fiber sensor <NUM> and by compensating temperature with the expression (<NUM>). As a result, implementation of temperature compensation with extremely high accuracy is possible.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a specific example of temperature compensation in the pressure sensor, which is the optical fiber sensor <NUM> in this embodiment. Herein, pressure values are exemplified when water temperature is changed in the range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees Celsius in a state where the above-described pressure sensor is arranged at water depth of <NUM>. A horizontal axis corresponds to passage of time and a vertical axis corresponds to a pressure value in <FIG>. Also, pressure values for which temperature is compensated in accordance with the expression (<NUM>) are shown by a solid line, and pressure values without temperature compensation which are yielded by multiplying the Bragg wavelength shift amount of the FBG arranged in contact with the diaphragm by the above-described coefficient A is shown by a broken line in <FIG>. The pressure sensor is kept at the water depth of <NUM> within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>-odd seconds of passage of time.

It can be understood from the <FIG> that the pressure values without temperature compensation greatly fluctuate in response to the temperature variations. On the contrary, it can be understood that the pressure values for which temperature is compensated show <NUM> f/m<NUM> accurately, which is a pressure value at water depth of <NUM>.

Next, an assembly procedure of the optical fiber sensor <NUM> is described. <FIG> are diagrams showing an example of an assembly procedure of the optical fiber sensor <NUM> in accordance with this embodiment. First, as shown in <FIG>, tension is applied to the optical fiber <NUM> having a single Bragg wavelength, and the FBG <NUM> is extended along axis direction.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, the optical fiber <NUM> with tension applied is arranged on the installation surface for optical fiber of the base <NUM> in a state where a part of the optical fiber <NUM> fixed to the fixation position <NUM> (herein, a center of the FBG <NUM>) is being aligned. At this time, the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a can be adjusted to a desired wavelength relatively easily by adjusting the tension applied to the optical fiber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this state, the optical fiber <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the base <NUM> with the first fixation member <NUM> at the fixation position <NUM>. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the base <NUM> with the second fixation member <NUM> at a position on the opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the first FBG 11a therebetween.

As shown in <FIG>, on completion of fixing the optical fiber <NUM> with the first fixation member <NUM> and the second fixation member <NUM>, the tension applied to the optical fiber <NUM> is released. Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, tension which is different from tension applied to the first FBG 11a is applied to the second FBG 11b, and the second FBG 11b is extended in the axis direction of the optical fiber <NUM>. At this time, the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b can be adjusted to a desired wavelength by adjusting the tension applied to the second FBG 11b.

As shown in <FIG>, in this state, the optical fiber <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the base <NUM> with the third fixation member <NUM> at a position on the opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the second FBG 11b therebetween.

The optical fiber sensor <NUM> is assembled in that manner, and, for example, the rear surface of the installation surface thereof is fixed on a measurement object. Any publicly-known optional method can be used for fixing the optical fiber sensor <NUM> on the measurement object. For example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive can be used for fixing the optical fiber sensor <NUM> on the measurement object.

As described above, in accordance with the optical fiber sensor <NUM> in this embodiment, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the base <NUM> in the state where the tension applied to the first FBG 11a and the tension applied to the second FBG 11b are different. Thus, even when the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a without tension applied and the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b without tension applied are equal, the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs 11a and 11b are respectively adjusted to the desired Bragg wavelengths. Such adjustment allows to realize relatively easily a downsized optical fiber sensor <NUM> in the state where the FBGs 11a and 11b with the different Bragg wavelengths are arranged extremely adjacent to one another on one optical fiber <NUM>.

Also, when the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b are configured by one FBG <NUM> having a single Bragg wavelength formed on the optical fiber <NUM> as described above, a manufacturing cost can be extremely low because the FBG <NUM> formed on the optical fiber <NUM> is one FBG.

Further, if a structure where, based on previously obtained temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and previously obtained temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b, temperature is compensated on either one of the variations of the Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs in the optical fiber sensor <NUM> is adopted, this structure allows to realize a downsized optical fiber sensor <NUM> capable of temperature compensation.

Furthermore, since the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and the previously obtained Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b are different, every movement of peak may be tracked while measuring strain or pressure in the case of obtaining temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength. Thus, the variation of the Bragg wavelength can be easily measured by using the conventional method.

In the above, the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b are formed from the optical fiber <NUM> having one FBG with a single Bragg wavelength. The FBG also exists between the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b (or, just under the first fixation member <NUM>) in this structure. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the intensity of reflected light between the two Bragg wavelengths becomes larger in the spectrum of reflected light. In an aspect of making larger dynamic range of peak detection of the Bragg wavelength, the intensity of reflected light between the two Bragg wavelengths is preferably lower.

<FIG> are schematic structural views showing an example of another basic structure of an optical fiber sensor in accordance with this embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic view showing an installation surface of a base for an optical fiber. <FIG> is a schematic view showing the optical fiber before being fixed to the base.

As shown in <FIG>, a first FBG 11a and a second FBG 11b are formed with a predetermined interval on an optical fiber <NUM> in this optical fiber sensor <NUM> and have the same Bragg wavelength. As shown in <FIG>, the optical fiber <NUM> between the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b is fixed at a fixation position <NUM>. Other structures are the same as the above-described optical fiber sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a spectrum of reflected light when wide-bandwidth light including the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b is entered in the optical fiber <NUM> of the above-described optical fiber sensor <NUM>. A horizontal axis corresponds to a wavelength of reflected light and a vertical axis corresponds to an intensity of reflected light in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, as with the optical fiber sensor <NUM>, the spectrum of reflected light has peaks at λ1 for the Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a and λ2 for the Bragg wavelength of the second FBG 11b respectively. Because the FBG does not exist just under the first fixation member <NUM> in the optical fiber sensor <NUM>, the intensity of reflected light between the two Bragg wavelengths in the spectrum of reflected light is smaller than the intensity of reflected light of the optical fiber sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Therefore, dynamic range of peak detection of the Bragg wavelength can be larger in accordance with this structure, and this structure is especially suitable for connecting a plurality of the optical fiber sensors <NUM> in series.

The two FBGs with the same Bragg wavelengths as shown in <FIG>, for example, are formed relatively easier by arranging a light-shielding member such as a tape at a corresponding part between the first FBG 11a and the second FBG 11b on a mask which is used when one FBG <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed. According to such method, the two FBGs having the equal Bragg wavelength are formed simultaneously, thereby a manufacturing cost can be extremely low.

Examples about applications of the above-described optical fiber sensor <NUM> on a pressure sensor and a uniaxial strain sensor (a strain gauge) are simply described below.

<FIG> are diagrams showing an example of an application of the basic structure described as the optical fiber sensor <NUM> to a pressure sensor. <FIG> is a schematic plan view showing the pressure sensor and <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view along the optical fiber in the <FIG>. In <FIG>, an illustration of a diaphragm for pressure detection is omitted for explanation.

As shown in <FIG>, the pressure sensor <NUM> is provided with an optical fiber <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a first fixation member <NUM>, a second fixation member <NUM> and a third fixation member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> has a circular ring-shaped circular ring part <NUM> where a round through hole is formed which functions as a pressure measurement part and an extension part <NUM> which functions as a temperature measurement part, and both parts are connected. The extension part <NUM> is configured by a plate material with a predetermined width which is extended along a diameter direction of the circular ring part <NUM> in plan view. The optical fiber <NUM> is arranged along the extended direction of the extension part <NUM> in a state of passing through a center of the circular ring part <NUM> in plan view.

The width of the base <NUM> is thicker than a diameter of the optical fiber <NUM>, and grooves for housing the optical fiber <NUM> are formed at arrangement positions for the optical fiber <NUM> on the circular ring part <NUM> and the extension part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a round-shaped diaphragm <NUM> in plan view abuts to the optical fiber <NUM> which is arranged in the state of crossing the through hole in the circular ring part <NUM>, and in that state, a circumference of the diaphragm <NUM> is fixed to and supported by the circular ring part <NUM>. Thus, the optical fiber <NUM> is arranged between the diaphragm <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

According to the above structure, a connecting point between the circular ring part <NUM> and the extension part <NUM> is the above-described fixation position <NUM> where the first fixation member <NUM> fixes the optical fiber <NUM> on the base <NUM>. For example, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the base <NUM> at an end part of the extension part <NUM> on opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the second fixation member <NUM>. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the base <NUM> with the third fixation member <NUM> at a position in the circular ring part <NUM> which is opposed to the fixation position <NUM> with the through hole therebetween. Therefore, the above-described first FBG 11a is arranged in the extension part <NUM> which is in no contact with the diaphragm <NUM> and the above-described second FBG 11b is arranged in contact with the diaphragm <NUM> in the circular ring part <NUM> in this structure. In other words, the first FBG 11a functions as the FBG for temperature compensation and the second FBG 11b functions as the FBG for pressure measurement. As shown in <FIG>, the second FBG 11b is arranged from the fixation position <NUM> across the center of the circular ring part <NUM> (the center of the diaphragm <NUM>) in this example. The second FBG 11b is adhered and fixed to the diaphragm <NUM>, but not especially limited thereto.

As described above, the first FBG 11a for temperature compensation and the second FBG 11b for pressure measurement are arranged extremely adjacent to one another in the pressure sensor <NUM>. That allows to realize the pressure sensor capable of compensating temperature with high accuracy and being downsized. Further, due to the structure where temperature variation is measured by the FBG, the pressure sensor can respond in a short time to a dynamic temperature variation where temperature varies in a short time.

<FIG> are diagrams showing an example of an application of the basic structure described as the optical fiber sensor <NUM> to a uniaxial strain sensor <NUM>. A structure of a strain sensor <NUM> together with an assembly process and an installation method is described herein.

As shown in plan view of <FIG>, the strain sensor <NUM> is provided with an optical fiber <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a first fixation member <NUM>, a second fixation member <NUM>, and a third fixation member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> is provided with a first base 25a and a second base 25b capable of independently moving one another. The first base 25a and the second base 25b are configured with rectangular plate members in plan view. In this example, the first FBG 11a functioning as an FBG for temperature compensation is arranged on the second base 25b, but not especially limited thereto. Thus, a length of the second base 25b along an arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is longer than that of the first base 25a along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM>. At least a part of the second FBG 11b functioning as an FBG for strain measurement is arranged between the first base 25a and the second base 25b.

As shown in <FIG>, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the first base 25a and the second base 25b in a state where the bases 25a and 25b are arranged adjacently one another. At this time, tension is applied to the optical fiber <NUM>. In this example, the above-described fixation position <NUM> is set on the second base 25b, and the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the second base 25b with the first fixation member <NUM> at the fixation position <NUM>. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the second base 25b with the second fixation member <NUM> at a position on an opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the first FBG 11a arranged on the second base 25b therebetween. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the first base 25a with the third fixation member <NUM> at a position on an opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the second FBG 11b arranged on the first base 25a and the second base 25b therebetween.

On completion of the fixation of the optical fiber <NUM> with the first fixation member <NUM>, the second fixation member <NUM>, and the third fixation member <NUM>, the tension applied to the optical fiber <NUM> is released. Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, the first base 25a and the second base 25b are separated along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM>. A spacer <NUM> is inserted in a space between the first base 25a and the second base 25b formed by the separation. Thus, due to the separation of the first base 25a and the second base 25b, the tension applied to the second FBG 11b is larger than the tension applied to the first FBG 11a so that this state is maintained by the spacer <NUM>. In this manner, the assembly of the strain sensor <NUM> is completed.

For example, a part opposing to the second FBG 11b functioning as an FBG for strain measurement among rear surfaces of the first base 25a and the second base 25b (the opposite surface of the installation surface of the optical fiber) of the strain sensor <NUM> assembled in the above-described manner is fixed on a measurement object. Any publicly-known optional method can be used for fixation of the strain sensor <NUM> on the measurement object. As shown in <FIG>, for example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive <NUM> can be used to fix the strain sensor <NUM> on the measurement object.

On completion of fixation of the strain sensor <NUM> on the measurement object, the spacer <NUM> is removed. In this structure, the tension applied to the second FBG 11b is larger than the tension applied to the first FBG 11a. Thus, with respect to a spectrum of reflected light of the strain sensor <NUM>, unlike the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a Bragg wavelength of the first FBG 11a functioning as the FBG for temperature compensation is smaller than that of the second FBG 11b functioning as the FBG for strain measurement.

As described above, the first FBG 11a for temperature compensation and the second FBG 11b for strain measurement are arranged extremely adjacent to one another in the strain sensor <NUM>. That allows to realize the strain sensor capable of compensating temperature with high accuracy and being downsized. Further, due to the structure where temperature variation is measured by the FBG, the strain sensor can respond in a short time to a dynamic temperature variation where temperature varies in a short time.

As shown in a plan view of <FIG>, the strain sensor <NUM> is provided with an optical fiber <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a first fixation member <NUM>, a second fixation member <NUM>, and a third fixation member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> is provided with a first base 26a and a second base 26b capable of independently moving one another. The first base 26a and the second base 26b are configured with rectangular plate members in plan view. In this example, the first FBG 11a functioning as an FBG for temperature compensation is arranged on the second base 26b, but not especially limited thereto. Thus, a length of the second base 26b along an arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is longer than that of the first base 26a along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM>.

In this example, a substantially rectangular through hole <NUM> is formed on the second base 26b so that a length of the second base 26b along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> can be extensible. With respect to the second base 26b where the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed, the length of the second base 26b along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is temporarily shortened by compressing and deforming the through hole <NUM>. In this example, an outer periphery part <NUM> of the through hole <NUM> along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is thinner than other parts in the second base 26b. Thus, the outer periphery part <NUM> projects outward as shown in <FIG> in the case of the above-described compression and deformation. In the same manner as the above-described strain sensor <NUM>, At least a part of the second FBG 11b functioning as the FBG for strain measurement is arranged between the first base 26a and the second base 26b.

As shown in <FIG>, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the first base 26a and the second base 26b arranged side by side with a predetermined interval. At this time, tension is applied to the optical fiber <NUM>. In this example, the above-described fixation position <NUM> is set on the second base 26b, and the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed on the second base 26b with the first fixation member <NUM> at the fixation position <NUM>. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the second base 26b with the second fixation member <NUM> at a position on an opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the first FBG 11a arranged across the through hole <NUM> of the second base 26b therebetween. Also, the optical fiber <NUM> is fixed to the first base 26a with the third fixation member <NUM> at a position on an opposite side of the fixation position <NUM> with the second FBG 11b arranged on the first base 26a and the second base 26b therebetween. A space between the first base 26a and the second base 26b can be made, for example, with a spacer (not shown) therebetween.

On completion of the fixation of the optical fiber <NUM> with the first fixation member <NUM>, the second fixation member <NUM>, and the third fixation member <NUM>, the tension applied to the optical fiber <NUM> is released. Thereafter, the compressed and deformed through hole <NUM> is re-deformed to the condition before being compressed and deformed so that the length of the second base 26b along the arrangement direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is extended as shown in <FIG>. Thus, the length of the second base 26b is extended, thereby tension applied to the first FBG 11a is larger than tension applied to the second FBG 11b. In this manner, the assembly of the strain sensor <NUM> is completed. The above-described re-deformation is realized by restoring the shape of the outer periphery part <NUM> projecting outward as shown in <FIG> to the condition before being compressed and deformed.

For example, a part opposing to the second FBG 11b functioning as an FBG for strain measurement among rear surfaces of the first base 26a and the second base 26b of the strain sensor <NUM> assembled in the above-described manner is fixed on a measurement object. Any publicly-known optional method can be used for fixation of the strain sensor <NUM> on the measurement object. As shown in <FIG>, for example, an ultraviolet curing adhesive <NUM> can be used to fix the strain sensor <NUM> on the measurement object.

The above-described embodiments can be modified and applied variously by methods other than described herein. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an ultraviolet curing adhesive is exemplified as the especially preferred embodiment, however, any optional material can be used as long as the material is capable of fixing the optical fiber <NUM> on the base. Also, a material for the base is not especially limited and can be optionally selected responding to the measurement object.

Claim 1:
An optical fiber sensor (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provided with an optical fiber (<NUM>) and a base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) supporting the optical fiber (<NUM>), comprising:
a first fixation member (<NUM>) configured to fix the optical fiber (<NUM>) on the base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at a fixation position (<NUM>) set on an installation surface for the optical fiber (<NUM>) on the base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in a state where a fiber Bragg grating (11a, 11b) is arranged in the optical fiber (<NUM>) in one side of the fixation position (<NUM>) and the optical fiber (<NUM>) in the other side of the fixation position (<NUM>) respectively;
a second fixation member (<NUM>) configured to fix the optical fiber (<NUM>) on the base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at the one side of the fixation position (<NUM>) in a state where tension is applied to a first fiber Bragg grating (11a) which is the fiber Bragg grating of the optical fiber (<NUM>) in the one side of the fixation position (<NUM>); and
a third fixation member (<NUM>) configured to fix the optical fiber (<NUM>) on the base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at the other side of the fixation position (<NUM>) in a state where tension which is different from the tension for the first fiber Bragg grating (11a) is applied to a second fiber Bragg grating (11b) which is the fiber Bragg grating of the optical fiber (<NUM>) in the other side of the fixation position (<NUM>) and in a state where a Bragg wavelength of the second fiber Bragg grating (11b) is different from a Bragg wavelength of the first fiber Bragg grating (11a),
characterized in that
the optical fiber (<NUM>) includes one fiber Bragg grating (<NUM>) having a single Bragg wavelength where a part of the one fiber Bragg grating (<NUM>) constitutes the first fiber Bragg grating (11a) and another part of the one fiber Bragg grating (<NUM>) constitutes the second fiber Bragg grating (11b).