ABSTRACT
Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are fiber optic structures widely used in sensor applications for the detection of many parameters such as strain, temperature, pressure, humidity, bend, acceleration, vibration, electric and magnetic field, chemical species, among others. FBGs can be considered as discrete sensors but they have the possibility to be multiplexed and offer quasi-distributed sensing. Compared with traditional electric sensors they can provide advantages such as low weight, small size, passive/low power, immunity to electromagnetic interference, the possibility to operate in harsh environments, long distance, etc. Furthermore, FBGs can be embedded in different materials allowing the creation of “smart structures” capable to monitor different properties. Examples of this are the inspection of the curing process during the manufacturing process or also the health monitoring of structures, such as buildings, bridges dams, etc., allowing to get information of the history and status of the structure, preventing maintenance costs and improving safety. Additionally, coating or packaging FBGs in responsive materials can extend their range of sensing capabilities. In view of all these special characteristics, FBGs have been reported in a variety of disciplines, ranging from medicine to civil engineering.
