Secondary student research projects in engineering: optical fibre Bragg grating sensor applications

In this paper, we present a study of secondary student research projects on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) based optical fibre sensors. Our study has shown that simple experimental procedures can be developed and implemented by students with minimal prior knowledge. In these experiments, students gain a significant understanding of FBG properties and performance, as well as an understanding of research, data analysis and communications skills required by researchers. Student satisfaction and enjoyment with the programme is very high, based on feedback received. These research-based projects would be ideal for implementation into undergraduate engineering learning programmes.

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