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Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors
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Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2026 | Viewed by 2949

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francesca De Tommasi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit of Measurements and Biomedical Instrumentation, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 00128 Rome, Italy
Interests: fiber optic sensors; fiber Bragg grating sensors; sensors
Dr. Elena De Vita

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Centro Direzionale Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy
Interests: fiber optic sensors; Bragg grating; biomedical applications of optical fiber sensor
Dr. Rui Min

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Cognition and Neuroergonomics, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
Interests: microstructured optical fiber; polymer optical fiber; optical fiber sensing; speckle analysis; microwave photonics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kaiwei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering of Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
Interests: optical fiber sensors; specialty optical fibers; tactile sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber sensors (OFS) are at the forefront of sensing technology due to their unique characteristics, such as their resistance to electromagnetic interference, lightweight qualities, compact size, good metrological properties, and ability to operate in harsh environments. These advantages make them a key solution in various fields, including structural health monitoring, environmental sensing, biomedical applications, biosensing, plant monitoring, and industrial automation. This Special Issue aims to showcase innovative research in OFS. Key topics include advances in fiber Bragg gratings, polymer optical fibers, distributed and interferometric sensing, and the use of novel materials to enhance sensing performance. The issue will provide a platform for researchers and engineers to share the latest technical innovations and explore emerging applications across various fields.

  • Optical fiber sensors;
  • Fiber Bragg gratings;
  • Polymer optical fibers;
  • Distributed sensing;
  • Interferometric sensing;
  • Biosensing;
  • Plant heath monitoring;
  • Harsh environment sensing;
  • Structural health monitoring;
  • Industrial sensing.

Dr. Francesca De Tommasi
Dr. Elena De Vita
Dr. Rui Min
Dr. Kaiwei Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • optical fiber sensors
  • fiber Bragg gratings
  • polymer optical fibers
  • distributed sensing
  • interferometric sensing
  • biosensing
  • plant heath monitoring
  • harsh environment sensing
  • structural health monitoring
  • industrial sensing

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2919 KB  
Article
Coherent-Phase Optical Time Domain Reflectometry for Monitoring High-Temperature Superconducting Magnet Systems
by Matthew Leoschke, William Lo, Victor Yartsev, Steven Derek Rountree, Steve Cole and Federico Scurti
Sensors 2025, 25(23), 7368; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25237368 - 3 Dec 2025
Abstract
High-temperature superconductor (HTS) magnet systems, especially those designed for fusion reactors, require effective and reliable monitoring to avoid damaging anomalies. In tokamaks, some of the magnetic coils are time-dependent, which causes strain and large inductive voltages within the magnet, rendering detection of incipient [...] Read more.
High-temperature superconductor (HTS) magnet systems, especially those designed for fusion reactors, require effective and reliable monitoring to avoid damaging anomalies. In tokamaks, some of the magnetic coils are time-dependent, which causes strain and large inductive voltages within the magnet, rendering detection of incipient quench challenging. Ionizing radiation can also create material defects and lead to non-uniform degradation of conductors. The resulting decrease in critical current uniformity across the magnet, along with manufacturing defects, such as failure of structural materials or cooling systems, can all potentially initiate a quench. HTS magnets have a lower normal zone propagation velocity than low-temperature superconductors, and this causes normal zones to be localized, increasing the risk of permanent damage. Fiber optic sensors have several qualities that are essential in fusion systems. Unlike traditional voltage-based sensors, fiber optic cables are immune to the large electromagnetic fields present. This study presents and validates a fiber optic interrogation technique for monitoring magnetic confinement fusion and other high-temperature superconducting magnet systems. Coherent-phase optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) allows for the high sampling rates (tens of kHz) necessary to quickly detect and mitigate quench events over the long distances required to monitor fusion magnet systems. This technique was demonstrated to successfully detect localized thermal transients at cryogenic temperatures as low as 6 K. These outcomes were also demonstrated using fibers embedded in HTS magnet coils at 77 K, verifying the potential for this interrogation technique’s use for failure detection in HTS coils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors)
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25 pages, 9357 KB  
Article
Comparison of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing and Digital Image Correlation Measurement Techniques for Evaluation of Flexural Behavior of CFRP-Prestressed Concrete Beams
by Agnieszka Wiater, Dominika Ziaja, Maciej Kulpa and Tomasz Siwowski
Sensors 2025, 25(23), 7357; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25237357 - 3 Dec 2025
Abstract
The paper presents two innovative measurement methods for assessing the flexural performance of precast concrete beams that are prestressed with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) bars. Strains, displacements, crack development, and failure modes were recorded until failure occurred, using a combination of Distributed Fiber [...] Read more.
The paper presents two innovative measurement methods for assessing the flexural performance of precast concrete beams that are prestressed with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) bars. Strains, displacements, crack development, and failure modes were recorded until failure occurred, using a combination of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the behavior of CFRP-prestressed beams under load, allowing for more accurate predictions than traditional measurement systems. By integrating both techniques, it is possible to validate results and establish an effective monitoring system. Based on tests conducted on three CFRP-prestressed beams subjected to three-point bending, general recommendations are made for both DFOS and DIC measurement techniques for reinforced concrete (RC) members. DFOS is more effective at detecting minor strains, while DIC excels in measuring large strains in RC structures. Both DFOS and DIC techniques facilitated the monitoring of crack development in RC structures, providing detailed analyses of the location, number, spacing, and width of the cracks. However, beyond the cracking load, the DFOS results can become unreliable due to the impact of cracks on the fiber optic readings. Therefore, DFOS and DIC measurement techniques can be used complementarily, taking into account their respective limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors)
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18 pages, 2734 KB  
Article
Stability and Repeatability Analysis of a Phase-Modulated Optical Fibre Sensor for Transformer Oil Ageing Detection
by Ugochukwu Elele, Youssouf Brahami, Issouf Fofana, Azam Nekahi, Arshad Arshad and Kate McAulay
Sensors 2025, 25(22), 6851; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25226851 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Transformer oil ageing alters key physicochemical properties, notably the refractive index (RI), due to physical, particulate, and chemical changes. As a result, refractometric fibre-optic sensors have gained attention for enabling real-time monitoring and overcoming the limitations of traditional offline diagnostics. This study explores [...] Read more.
Transformer oil ageing alters key physicochemical properties, notably the refractive index (RI), due to physical, particulate, and chemical changes. As a result, refractometric fibre-optic sensors have gained attention for enabling real-time monitoring and overcoming the limitations of traditional offline diagnostics. This study explores the use of a Fabry–Pérot phase-modulated fibre optic sensor (FISO FRI RI Sensor) for in-situ ageing detection in four industrial transformer oils: natural ester, synthetic ester, Nytro Bio 300X (vegetable-based), and Polaris GX (mineral-based). The oils were thermally aged under controlled conditions following degassing and drying. The sensor performance was evaluated using key metrics, including repeatability, thermal response, settling time, and linearity. Results show high repeatability (with standard deviations below 7 × 10−5 RIU and repeatability coefficients under 2 × 10−4 RIU), stable thermal response (~0.0004 RIU/°C), and strong thermal linearity (R2 > 0.99) across all samples. Natural ester and Nytro Bio 300X exhibited the most stable and consistent sensor responses, while synthetic ester and mineral oils showed greater variability due to temperature-induced RI shifts. These findings demonstrate the reliability and precision of this Fabry–Pérot phase-modulated sensor for online transformer oil condition monitoring, with strong potential for integration into smart grid diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors)
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15 pages, 3771 KB  
Article
Early Motor Cortex Connectivity and Neuronal Reactivity in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Continuous-Wave Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
by Nitin Kumar, Geetha Charan Duba, Nabeela Khan, Chetan Kashinkunti, Ashfaq Shuaib, Brian Buck and Mahesh Pundlik Kate
Sensors 2025, 25(20), 6377; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206377 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 832
Abstract
Insights into motor cortex remodeling may enable the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies during the acute phase. We aim to assess the affected and unaffected motor/premotor/somatosensory cortex resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) and reactivity with continuous wave functional near-infrared spectroscopy (cw-fNIRS) in [...] Read more.
Insights into motor cortex remodeling may enable the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies during the acute phase. We aim to assess the affected and unaffected motor/premotor/somatosensory cortex resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) and reactivity with continuous wave functional near-infrared spectroscopy (cw-fNIRS) in patients with ICH compared to age, sex, and comorbidity-matched subjects. We enrolled patients with acute–subacute hemispheric ICH (n = 37; two were excluded due to artifacts) and grouped them according to the side (right and left) of the stroke. Matched participants or patients with recent transient ischemic attack were enrolled as control subjects for the study (n = 44; five were excluded due to artifacts). RSFC was assessed in both affected and unaffected hemispheres by group-level seed-based (primary motor cortex, priMC) correlation analysis. FT-associated relative oxyhemoglobin (ΔHbO) changes were analyzed in affected and unaffected hemispheres with generalized linear model regression. In left hemispheric ICH, the resting state coherence between the affected priMC and the affected premotor cortex (preMC) increased (β = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.19, 1.47, p = 0.01). In contrast, in right hemispheric ICH, the coherence between the unaffected priMC and the affected preMC decreased (β = −0.6, 95% CI = −1.12, −0.09, p = 0.02). In the left hemispheric ICH, the left-hand FT was associated with increased ΔHbO over the affected preMC (β = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.02, p = 0.01). In contrast, in right hemispheric ICH, the left-hand FT was associated with increased ΔHbO over the unaffected preMC (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.04, p = 0.01). Left hemispheric preMC may be involved in motor cortex reorganization in acute ICH in either hemisphere. Further studies may be required to assess longitudinal changes in motor cortex reorganization to inform acute motor rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors)
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10 pages, 1694 KB  
Article
Long-Distance FBG Sensor Networks Multiplexed in Asymmetric Tree Topology
by Keiji Kuroda
Sensors 2025, 25(13), 4158; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25134158 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 909
Abstract
This article reports on the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensors that are multiplexed in an asymmetric tree topology. At each stage in the topology, FBGs are connected at one output port of a 50:50 coupler with fibers of different lengths. This [...] Read more.
This article reports on the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensors that are multiplexed in an asymmetric tree topology. At each stage in the topology, FBGs are connected at one output port of a 50:50 coupler with fibers of different lengths. This asymmetric structure allows the simultaneous interrogation of long-distance and parallel sensor networks to be realized. Time- and wavelength-division multiplexing techniques are used to multiplex the FBGs. Using the heterodyne detection technique, high-sensitivity detection of reflection signals that have been weakened by losses induced by a round-trip transmission through the couplers and long-distance propagation is performed. Quasi-distributed FBGs are interrogated simultaneously, over distances ranging from 15 m to 80 km. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Optical Fiber Sensors)
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