Quantitative Amplitude Measuring Phi-OTDR Using Multiple Uncorrelated Rayleigh Backscattering Realizations
Abstract
We propose and demonstrate a technique to perform quantitative strain sensing using the amplitude of the Rayleigh backscattered light in a modified phi-OTDR system. While standard amplitude measuring (phi-OTDR sensors can identify the presence of strain, they cannot perform quantitative measurements because the amplitude of the Rayleigh backscattered light exhibits a non-linear and unpredictable strain response. Here, we demonstrate a technique to computationally recover a linear strain response from a set of uncorrelated Rayleigh backscattering measurements. Using a combination of frequency and polarization multiplexing, we constructed a (phi-OTDR system capable of recording 18 uncorrelated Rayleigh backscattering measurements in parallel. By combining information from these 18 measurements, the sensor achieves a linear strain response with total harmonic distortion below -35 dB. The sensor is immune to signal fading, has a minimum detectable strain of 5 p epsilon/root Hz and a bandwidth of 500 kHz.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 14, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1099297
Entities
People
- Allen P. Davis
- Brandon Redding
- Clay Kirkendall
- Matthew J Murray
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory