Abstract

We have developed a precision high-sensitivity fiber-optic microbend strain sensor for detecting bending and vibrations of large mechanical structures. Structural distortions having surface bend radii of up to 5 km have been readily measured with consistency and repeatability. Correspondingly, measurements of submicron relative displacements of large surfaces due to structural distortion have been demonstrated. The sensor and experimental data will be described. An optical time domain re- flectometry technique for interrogating many sensors simultaneously is also described.

© 1982 Optical Society of America