Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Technology Encyclopedia - FBG FAQ - FBG Sensor FAQ - FBG Demodulator FAQ - FBG Common Application Problem Analysis

This article analyzes the advantages and application benefits brought by the small size of fiber bagg grating (FBG) sensors, including improved sensitivity, expanded usage environments, and convenience in engineering construction. It also introduces the production of the small-sized "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Series FBG Sensor" (also known as micro FBG probes or FBG sensors) by DCYS, which can be used for measuring various physical quantities such as temperature, strain, and stress in extreme environments. Partial physical images are provided.

 

1. Introduction 1.of the structure and diameter of small-sized FBG sensors (FBG probes)

For most sensors, small size is a significant advantage. This is mainly because sensors should minimize the changes caused by their intervention in the surrounding environment or the object being measured to achieve accurate measurements.

The "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Series FBG Sensor (FBG sensor)" produced by DCYS is an extremely small FBG sensor (FBG thermometer, FBG strain gauge, FBG tensile gauge, etc.) that can be used to measure various physical quantities such as temperature, stress, and strain in extreme environments.

 

Figure 1

The typical "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Series FBG Sensor (FBG sensor)" consists of a stainless steel seamless tube and a fiber bragg grating (FBG) as the sensing element. Due to innovative patented technology and a minimalist structural design, our product differs significantly from traditionally packaged FBG sensors (see comparison in Figure 2).

Figure 2

The "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Series FBG Sensor (FBG sensor)" is much smaller in size than existing traditional FBG sensors, with a standard diameter of only 0.9mm (in addition to 2mm, 3mm diameter products, and a minimum diameter of 0.6mm).

This size is smaller than the commonly seen "partially stainless steel tube packaged" FBG sensors with a diameter of generally 6mm, and even smaller than the ceramic tube packaged FBG sensors with a diameter of generally 10mm.

Figure 3	Figure 4

2. Application and construction advantages of small-sized "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Series FBG Sensor" (FBG probes)

The smaller size of the "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube FBG Temperature Sensor" first increases its sensitivity. Increased sensitivity means more accurate temperature measurement and faster response. Consequently, the "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube FBG Temperature Sensor" does not require thermal paste or various fillers inside (refer to references: "Sensitivity of FBG Temperature Sensors - Resolution Perspective," "Sensitivity of FBG Temperature Sensors - Thermal Conduction Perspective," "Characteristics Analysis of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube FBG Temperature Sensors- High Sensitivity".

The smaller size also greatly expands the application range of FBG sensors. Compared to other types of sensors, FBG sensors have the advantage of being small in size (previously, FBG sensors were often described with a diameter of 6mm). Now, with the "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube FBG Sensor" having a diameter of only 0.9mm, many environments and objects that were previously limited by size can be tested using FBG sensors. After all, the smaller the grating sensor, the less it impacts the object being measured.

 

Figure 5

 

The smaller size also brings great convenience to the transportation and engineering construction of FBG sensors. Traditional FBG sensors are transported in bundles, while the "OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube FBG Sensor" is transported as a bundle. The benefits brought by this during engineering construction are evident and will be analyzed in subsequent articles.

Our philosophy is: "OFSCN®, make optical fiber stronger!"