Brillouin Sensor Optical Path Segmentation for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Brillouin scattering-based sensing systems face limitations in sensing range and measurement accuracy due to fiber intrinsic loss and pump signal depletion, leading to unreliable data beyond 80 km, where signal power becomes too weak for reliable detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with multiple optical propagation paths, where a pump signal is amplified before entering the second path to compensate for losses, and a circulator circuit prevents probe signals from propagating to the third path, ensuring a spectrally pure pump signal and reducing noise, allowing for longer-range and more accurate strain and temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the sensing range is extended beyond 80 km, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the signal power becomes too weak for reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is divided into multiple segments (first optical path, second optical path, third optical path) with an amplifier positioned between them. This segmentation allows the pump signal to be amplified at intermediate points, maintaining sufficient signal power throughout the extended sensing range while enabling reliable detection beyond 80 km.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component in the third optical path. This amplifier boosts the pump signal power before it enters the second optical path, compensating for fiber intrinsic losses and enabling reliable signal detection over extended distances beyond the conventional 80 km limit.
2Length of stationary object
If the pump signal power is increased to extend sensing range, then the measurement coverage is improved, but pump signal depletion occurs leading to nonlinear effects
Solution Approach 1:
The pump signal is amplified in advance (before entering the second optical path) using the amplifier positioned in the third optical path. This preliminary amplification ensures the pump signal maintains sufficient power throughout the sensing range without depleting, preventing nonlinear effects while extending measurement coverage.
3Device complexity
If probe signals are allowed to propagate through all paths, then the system complexity is reduced, but noise interference increases and signal fidelity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical paths are segmented with directional control, where the circulator prevents probe signals from propagating into the third optical path. This segmentation isolates the amplifier from probe signal-induced noise, maintaining high signal fidelity while managing system complexity through structured path separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A circulator is introduced as an intermediary component to control signal directionality. It prevents probe signals from reaching the amplifier in the third optical path, thereby eliminating noise interference and preserving signal fidelity without requiring complete system redesign.
4Length of stationary object
If fiber intrinsic loss is compensated by increasing pump power, then the sensing range is extended, but nonlinear optical effects are triggered
Solution Approach 1:
An optical amplifier is positioned as an intermediary in the third optical path to compensate for fiber intrinsic losses. This allows pump signal power to be maintained at appropriate levels throughout the sensing range without excessive initial power, extending sensing range while avoiding nonlinear optical effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the sensing range to 100 km with improved signal fidelity and accuracy by maintaining pump signal power and preventing noise interference, enabling reliable data collection over extended distances.
Implementation Method 1
a means for amplifying a signal which propagates in the third optical propagation path, so that the signal is amplified before it begins propagation along the second optical propagation path
Implementation Method 2
a means to prevent the propagation of signals from the second optical propagation path to the third optical propagation path
Implementation Method 3
the sensor system with multiple optical propagation paths, where a pump signal is amplified before entering the second path to compensate for losses, and a circulator circuit prevents probe signals from propagating to the third path, ensuring a spectrally pure pump signal and reducing noise, allowing for longer-range and more accurate strain and temperature measurements
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, these aims are achieved by means of a sensor, suitable for sensing one or more properties of one or more structures, the sensor comprising, a first optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a second optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a third optical propagation path; a means for amplifying a signal which propagates in the third optical propagation path, so that the signal is amplified before it begins propagation along the second optical propagation path, and a means to prevent the propagation of signals from the second optical propagation path to the third optical propagation path. There is further provided a corresponding method of sensing.