Time-division multiplexing is a promising method for the interrogation of fiber-optic Bragg grating sensors arrays for measurement of strain and temperature. We examine the performance of these systems to determine the parameters for high-sensitivity, low-cross-talk operation. It is shown that the performance can be greatly improved by use of a short time resolution in the demultiplexing process. We propose a new method of demultiplexing with an electro-optic modulator to read out the sensor pulses by gating the signal with 400-ps resolution. The system is demonstrated experimentally to provide 0.15-microepsilon/square root(Hz) strain resolution in a 50-Hz bandwidth within a full-scale range of 8000 microepsilon. The system parameters are capable of handling at least 50 time-addressed sensors on a single fiber.

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This paper presents an overview of the development and application of ISIS fibre optic sensor (FOS) technology by the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The primary focus of this technology has involved the use of fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) to measure strain and temperature in concrete structures and fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) overwraps applied to concrete structures. A brief review of existing fibre optic sensor configurations and the advantages of using FOS compared to other strain sensors is first presented. Subsequently, the development of new sensor concepts such as a long gauge of arbitrary length, a distributed gauge for measuring local strain gradients, and multiple FBGs on a single fibre optic cable are discussed, with examples of their application to civil engineering structures. In addition, the specialized instruments under development that are essential for obtaining strain information from these sensors are also described. Finally, the issue of wireless remote monitoring of FOS systems is addressed.

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