Distributed and multiplexed fiber optic sensors

Many authors have recognised the unique advantages afforded in a number of application areas by the use of distributed fiber-optic sensor (DFOS) systems, which can be formed by combining fiber sensing and telemetry [1-11]. Approaches described to date can be categorized as being either 'intrinsic distributed' or 'quasi-distributed'. In the case of intrinsic distributed sensing, a single length of fiber forms an extended sensor element which senses the measurand field continuously over its entire length, whereas quasi-distributed sensing approaches utilize discrete sensor elements [12-15] arranged in a linear array or other, more geometrically versatile network topology.