Multiaxis fiber grating strain sensor applications for structural monitoring and process control

By writing one or more fiber gratings onto birefringent optical fiber a multi-axis fiber grating is created that is capable of measuring transverse as well as axial strain. In addition to the measurement of transverse gradients it is possible to identify the axis and magnitude of transverse strain gradients. This allows detailed diagnostic of the interior of parts as they are being cured and after fabrication health monitoring systems capable of supporting the measurement of multidimensional strain fields.