NOVEL OPTICAL FIBERS: Draw-tower process creates high-quality FBG arrays
Arrays of fiber Bragg gratings are fabricated at the same time the fiber is drawn, resulting in high strength and enhanced optical properties needed for sensing applications.
DAVID JOHNSON
The fabrication of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG’s) using the draw-tower process dates back almost 20 years. However,because of the significant investment required in the draw tower and associated measurement equipment, the manufacturing process has only recently become viable. This development has resulted in increased industry use of sensors that rely on FBG’s in optical fibers.