Phase-strain-temperature model for structurally embedded interferometric optical fiber strain sensors with applications

The fundamental theory which relates optical phase changes to applied strain and temperature fields in structurally embedded interferometric optical fiber sensors of all types is described. The theory is developed in a unified manner through a careful discussion of basic assumptions and definitions. This theory is then applied to Mach-Zehnder, Michelson, intrinsic and extrinsic Fabry-Perot, polarimetric, and modal-domain sensors. Theoretical investigation of the phase-strain-temperature theory applied to all of these sensors embedded in transversely isotropic specimens under five different load conditions is used to investigate the importance of transverse strain terms.