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

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A Special Issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220) belonging to the section "Optical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 15899

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Editors

Dr. Qi Liu

E-Mail Website
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

Dr. Junguo Cui

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

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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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 (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 6178 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fixed-Position Quasi-Static Load Calibration and Identification of an Aluminum Wing-Box Test Section Using Surface-Bonded Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

by Zhe Fan, Rui Bao, Junkai Sun and Hao Song

Sensors 2026, 26(14), 4650; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144650 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 481

Abstract

Section-load calibration is used in aircraft wing-box testing. This study evaluates a fixed-position quasi-static load-calibration and identification procedure for one 7050 aluminum wing-box test section instrumented with surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. A multi-point FBG network was arranged on the skins and webs using finite-element-guided sensor placement to construct bending-, shear-, and torsion-related response features; strain-free reference FBGs provided temperature compensation. All experiments used the same specimen geometry, fixed-root boundary condition, sensor layout, and four actuator positions. Conditions 1–6 were used for regression calibration, whereas Conditions 7 and 8 were held out for interpolation-type validation within the same loading configuration. The maximum/average relative errors were 6.53%/1.51% for bending moment, 2.62%/0.86% for shear force, and 4.04%/1.23% for torsional moment. These results apply only to local laboratory calibration of the tested configuration and do not establish transfer to other geometries, boundary conditions, sensor layouts, loading positions, environmental conditions, or dynamic loading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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24 pages, 9290 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 736

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 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

\times

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

\times

500 mm

\times

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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30 pages, 6112 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 3 | Viewed by 806

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 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 m g_{E}

for all axes. The analysis confirmed that the sensor’s effective full-scale range is approximately

\pm 20 g_{E}

, and sensitivity of 112

p

m

g_{E}

, 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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Review

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35 pages, 25979 KB

Open AccessReview

Lab-to-Field Transition in FBG Sensors: A Quantitative Assessment of Literature-Reported Deployment Maturity

by Alaa N. D. Alhussein, Mohammad R. Radi, Sergey V. Kuryntsev, Bulat I. Valeev, Timur A. Agliullin, Oleg G. Morozov and Airat Zh. Sakhabutdinov

Sensors 2026, 26(14), 4403; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144403 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 767

Abstract

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors have become an important sensing technology owing to their high sensitivity, multiplexing capability, and ability to operate in demanding environments. Despite extensive research activity, the transition of FBG sensing systems from laboratory studies to practical deployment remains uneven across application domains. This review examines that transition through a multi-level assessment combining publication trends, deployment maturity, application domains, and sensing performance. The analysis of publications from 2021 to 2026 shows that most of the reported systems remain at the laboratory-validation stage, while examples of short-term field deployment and long-term operational deployment remain comparatively limited. Marked differences were observed between various application domains. Structural health monitoring and several harsh-environment applications provide the strongest evidence of literature-reported field deployment, whereas biomedical and chemical sensing systems remain concentrated at lower maturity levels despite intensive research activity. The results suggest that deployment maturity is influenced by the relationship between the sensing mechanism and the target measurand, integration requirements, environmental robustness, system complexity, and application demand. Overall, the findings indicate that the principal challenge facing FBG sensing technology is no longer sensing performance itself, but the ability to achieve reliable, scalable, and sustainable operation under real service conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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53 pages, 15393 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in Optical Frequency-Domain Reflectometry: Performance Enhancement, Emerging Applications and Machine Learning Integration

by Zhancong Xu, Yufeng Wang, Qirui Huang, Feiyu Jiao, Yansong Du, Yuting Zhou, Bangyao Wang, Longfei Yu, Faisal Nadeem Khan and Xun Guan

Sensors 2026, 26(14), 4397; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144397 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 791

Abstract

Optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR) has become a core technology in distributed optical fiber sensing (DOFS) based on its ultra-high spatial resolution down to the sub-millimeter scale and excellent measurement sensitivity. However, its practical performance is significantly limited by various non-ideal factors, and existing reviews still lack systematic discussion on its latest research directions. This paper first introduces the fundamental principles and core error mechanisms of OFDR then summarizes key technological advances in its performance enhancement over the past five years. We further review its multi-scenario applications with a special focus on battery health monitoring and analyze the integration of machine learning in OFDR signal processing. Finally, we discuss the key challenges and future research prospects in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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38 pages, 8603 KB

Open AccessReview

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 16 | Viewed by 7070

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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35 pages, 6244 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

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 9 | Viewed by 3663

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber Optic Sensor Technology)

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