Distributed strain measurements in precision-wound optical fibers using Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry

In this paper, the nondestructive, nonlinear distributed- strain sensing technique known as Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR) is described. The strain distributions along optical fibers wound in precision configurations are measured and analyzed using a recently developed commercial-off-the-shelf BOTDR system. Determinations of sensitivity and spatial resolution are made for the instrument. Measurement comparisons to an analytical model are made for the wound fiber packs. Characterizations of measurements of certain geometric configurations and deformity phenomena are expressed. Assessment of the applicability of the technique to reliability predictions for precision-wound fiber optic dispensers and fiber optic gyroscopes is made.