Remote Sensing with High Spatial Resolution

Distributed fiber sensing based on correlation-aided phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry is presented. The focus is on correlation as an enabler for high spatial resolution. Results from different applications are presented.

Pressure Wave Detection and Localization in Deployed Underground Fiber using Coherent Correlation OTDR

A deployed fiber with in-house and underground sections is interrogated with a coherent correlation OTDR. The origin and propagation speed of a hammer-generated pressure wave in the underground section is detected and acoustic signals are monitored.

Simultaneous Temperature and Acoustic Sensing with Coherent Correlation OTDR

Superimposed temperature variations and dynamic strain applied through a 400 Hz acoustic signal on a 195 m single-mode fiber section are successfully measured using a coherent correlation optical time domain reflectometry as an interrogator.

Optical fiber for remote sensing with high spatial resolution

The use of optical fiber as sensor as well as transmission medium for sensing data is discussed, enabling the use of optically active sensors without power supply at distances of tens of kilometers. Depending on the interrogation system, a spatial resolution of less than a millimeter can be achieved. The basic sensing principle is optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) with direct detection or coherent detection of the Rayleigh back-scattered or Fresnel reflected signal. Spatial resolution is improved by a cross-correlation between the transmitted sequence and the received signals.