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Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 10950

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
2. College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, China
Interests: structural health monitoring; condition monitoring; fiber optic sensing; artificial intelligence
College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: optimization design; permanent magnet motor; offshore oil and gas equipment; condition monitoring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and fiber optic sensor technology has revolutionized the sensing industry by providing highly sensitive and reliable solutions for monitoring different types of parameters. Their immunity to electromagnetic interference, light weight, and ability to operate in harsh environments make them indispensable in structural health monitoring, aerospace engineering, and biomedical applications. The multiplexing capability of FBG sensors allows for distributed sensing over long distances, enabling real-time data collection from multiple points along a single optical fiber. Fiber optic sensor technology is driving innovation in predictive maintenance and advanced monitoring systems across critical industries. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive collection of the latest advances in exploiting FBG and fiber optic sensor technology.

We would like to invite you to submit an article to this Special Issue “Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology”. We welcome full research articles, timely reviews, and short communications in the following areas (but not limited to):

  • Novel writing techniques and materials of FBGs;
  • Advanced fabrication and encapsulation techniques of FBG sensors;
  • Distributed fiber optic sensing systems;
  • Degradation of sensing properties of FBG sensors;
  • Advanced applications of FBG sensors in real-time monitoring;
  • FBG-based chemical sensors;
  • FBG-based biological sensors;
  • FBG-based gas sensors;
  • FBG-based wearable sensors;
  • Micro-fiber-based FBG sensors.

Dr. Qi Liu
Dr. Junguo Cui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • fiber bragg grating
  • fiber optic sensors
  • distributed sensing
  • real-time monitoring
  • optimization
  • artificial intelligence
  • data processing and analysis

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 9290 KB  
Article
Robust Localization of Low-Velocity Impacts on Honeycomb Sandwich Panels via FBG Sensor Networks
by Zhengwen Zhou, Yibo Yang, Xin Xu, Kexia Peng, Yihong Han, Guangming Song, Jingtai Li, Zhe Lin and Liangjie Guo
Sensors 2026, 26(5), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051715 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Honeycomb sandwich panels are widely used in aerospace, yet they are vulnerable to low-velocity impacts. Implementing effective localization is challenging because, unlike single-layer structures, the multi-layer energy dissipation capabilities of honeycomb core induce rapid stress wave attenuation and reverberations, degrading signal quality. This [...] Read more.
Honeycomb sandwich panels are widely used in aerospace, yet they are vulnerable to low-velocity impacts. Implementing effective localization is challenging because, unlike single-layer structures, the multi-layer energy dissipation capabilities of honeycomb core induce rapid stress wave attenuation and reverberations, degrading signal quality. This paper designs a testing platform for low-velocity impact and proposes a template matching method based on wavelet denoising and error outlier weighting. This method is based on 16 FBG sensors uniformly arranged on the panel, dividing the panel into 25 × 25 grids, with five impacts in each grid forming a template library. Similarity matching is performed by calculating the Euclidean distance between the template library and test signals, combined with wavelet denoising and outlier weighting to compute the average localization accuracy. The results show that for a honeycomb panel measuring 500 mm × 500 mm × 20 mm, the basic method yields an average localization accuracy of 21.29 mm. When error outlier weighting is applied, the accuracy improves to 12.36 mm. Finally, by combining outlier weighting with Sym5 wavelet denoising, the average error is further reduced to 8.53 mm. These results demonstrate that the proposed method mitigates the effects of signal instability in honeycomb structures, providing a robust and precise solution for aerospace SHM where traditional methods fall short. Full article
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30 pages, 6112 KB  
Article
Design, Calibration and Characterization of a Fiber Optic Triaxial Accelerometer Based on Fiber Bragg Gratings
by Roney Duarte da Silva and João Marcos Salvi Sakamoto
Sensors 2026, 26(5), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051588 - 3 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 502
Abstract
This work presents the design, calibration and detailed performance characterization of a triaxial accelerometer based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), intended for space navigation applications. The sensor employs a single seismic mass architecture, whose acceleration-induced displacement deforms six optical fibers (OFs), forming twelve [...] Read more.
This work presents the design, calibration and detailed performance characterization of a triaxial accelerometer based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), intended for space navigation applications. The sensor employs a single seismic mass architecture, whose acceleration-induced displacement deforms six optical fibers (OFs), forming twelve fiber segments (FSs) that act as elastic elements, with the strain measured by FBGs inscribed in each fiber. The methodology ranges from the manufacturing and spectral characterization of the FBGs to the design of a differential optical interrogation system and a low-noise signal conditioning circuit. A cornerstone of this work is the proposal of an extended calibration model that, in addition to the conventional sensitivity matrix and bias vector parameters, incorporates polynomial terms to actively compensate for the effects of temperature variation. This model was validated through tests in a climatic chamber, subjecting the sensor to different orientations and controlled temperatures. The experimental results validate the design’s effectiveness, demonstrating that the accelerometer achieves tactical-grade performance with a bias instability below 1.9 mgE for all axes. The analysis confirmed that the sensor’s effective full-scale range is approximately ±20gE, and sensitivity of 112 pm/gE, limited by the nature of the optical interrogation system. Furthermore, a third-order polynomial thermal compensation model was shown to provide the most efficient balance between model complexity and error reduction, reducing errors to a level dominated by the system’s intrinsic noise and ensuring the sensor’s accuracy over a wide operational temperature range. Full article
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Review

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38 pages, 8603 KB  
Review
Fiber-Optic Pressure Sensors: Recent Advances in Sensing Mechanisms, Fabrication Technologies, and Multidisciplinary Applications
by Yihang Wang, Botong Chen, Guirong Wu, Chenyang Xue and Libo Gao
Sensors 2025, 25(20), 6336; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206336 - 14 Oct 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5789
Abstract
Fiber-optic sensing (FOS) technology has emerged as a cutting-edge research focus in the sensor field due to its miniaturized structure, high sensitivity, and remarkable electromagnetic interference immunity. Compared with conventional sensing technologies, FOS demonstrates superior capabilities in distributed detection and multi-parameter multiplexing, thereby [...] Read more.
Fiber-optic sensing (FOS) technology has emerged as a cutting-edge research focus in the sensor field due to its miniaturized structure, high sensitivity, and remarkable electromagnetic interference immunity. Compared with conventional sensing technologies, FOS demonstrates superior capabilities in distributed detection and multi-parameter multiplexing, thereby accelerating its applications across biomedical, industrial, and aerospace fields. This paper conducts a systematic analysis of the sensing mechanisms in fiber-optic pressure sensors, with a particular focus on the performance optimization effects of fiber structures and materials, while elucidating their application characteristics in different sensing scenarios. This review further examines current manufacturing technologies for fiber-optic pressure sensors, covering key processes including fiber processing and packaging. Regarding practical applications, the multifunctional characteristics of fiber-optic pressure sensors are thoroughly investigated in various fields, including biomedical monitoring, industrial and energy monitoring, and wearable devices, as well as aerospace monitoring. Furthermore, current challenges are discussed regarding performance degradation in extreme environments and multi-parameter cross-sensitivity issues, while future research directions are proposed, encompassing the integration and exploration of novel structures and materials. By synthesizing recent advancements and development trends, this review serves as a critical reference bridging the gap between research and practical applications, accelerating the advancement of fiber-optic pressure sensors. Full article
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35 pages, 6244 KB  
Review
Comprehensive Analysis of FBG and Distributed Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman Optical Sensor-Based Solutions for Road Infrastructure Monitoring Applications
by Ugis Senkans, Nauris Silkans, Sandis Spolitis and Janis Braunfelds
Sensors 2025, 25(17), 5283; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175283 - 25 Aug 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3178
Abstract
This study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the common methods for road infrastructure monitoring, as well as the perspective of various fiber-optic sensor (FOS) realization solutions in road monitoring applications. Fiber-optic sensors are a topical technology that ensures multiple advantages such as [...] Read more.
This study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the common methods for road infrastructure monitoring, as well as the perspective of various fiber-optic sensor (FOS) realization solutions in road monitoring applications. Fiber-optic sensors are a topical technology that ensures multiple advantages such as passive nature, immunity to electromagnetic interference, multiplexing capabilities, high sensitivity, and spatial resolution, as well as remote operation and multiple physical parameter monitoring, hence offering embedment potential within the road pavement structure for needed smart road solutions. The main key factors that affect FOS-based road monitoring scenarios and configurations are analyzed within this review. One such factor is technology used for optical sensing—fiber Bragg grating (FBG), Brillouin, Rayleigh, or Raman-based sensing. A descriptive comparison is made comparing typical sensitivity, spatial resolution, measurement distance, and applications. Technological approaches for monitoring physical parameters, such as strain, temperature, vibration, humidity, and pressure, as a means of assessing road infrastructure integrity and smart application integration, are also evaluated. Another critical aspect concerns spatial positioning, focusing on the point, quasi-distributed, and distributed methodologies. Lastly, the main topical FOS-based application areas are discussed, analyzed, and evaluated. Full article
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