Characterisation of fibre optic vibration sensors represents a challenge since they are not compatible with conventional
data acquisition platforms. The situation is complicated by the difficulty of applying a well described input signal, e.g. in
form of a precisely controlled acceleration level over a range of frequencies. For this, we have configured a system based
on a precision vibration exciter driven by a vibration controller. Such a system is able to reproduce the sensitivity and
frequency response of Bragg grating based accelerometers to a precision within a few percent.
In this paper we present our latest work on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) in microstructured polymer optical fibers
(mPOFs) and their application as strain sensing transducers in devices, such as accelerometers and microphones. We
demonstrate how the cross-sensitivity of the FBG to temperature is eliminated by using dual-FBG technology and how
mPOFs fabricated from different grades of TOPAS with glass transition temperatures around 135°C potentially allow
high-temperature humidity insensitive operation. The results bring the mPOF FBG closer to being a viable technology
for commercial applications requiring high sensitivity due to the low Young's Modulus of polymer.
We present a fibre optical accelerometer based on a balanced double cantilever design that offers improved performance
in terms of sensitivity, frequency range and reliability in general. Within a three year project funded by the Danish
National Advanced Technology Foundation, we have developed a rugged prototype with a wavelength sensitivity of
20 pm/g within ±1dB over a frequency range from DC to 1 kHz. These units are currently undergoing field tests in
monitoring applications, e.g. for wind turbines, energy services, aerospace etc. In particular, we consider sensitive and
reliable accelerometers essential for future condition monitoring and structural health monitoring applications.
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