The use of a Bragg grating as a temperature sensor

Abstract

A fiber Bragg grating has a periodic disturbance in the index of refraction of the core of an optical fiber. It can be used as a temperature sensor due to the change in the grating period that occurs because a thermal expansion. Fiber Bragg gratings temperature sensing system would be of great use in many applications, particularly in medical settings. The goal of this project was to construct and test a temperature sensor using a fiber Bragg grating as the sensing component. The system was successfully tested for use in the range of 30°C to 45°C. A method of isolating the grating was devised, such that it would not be exposed to environmental factors other than those desired. A measurement precision of 0.1 °C was successfully developed.