Advances in Optical Fiber Sensors for Extreme Environments: Fundamentals and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber sensors are capable of precision measurements across diverse scientific and industrial fields. Their versatility encompasses both point sensors, such as fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), and distributed sensing techniques. In distributed optical fiber sensing, measurements are derived from the light scattered along the fiber typically by Rayleigh, Brillouin or Raman interactions, sensitive to distinct physical parameters such as strain and temperature. The spatially resolved backscatter can be analyzed using time-domain reflectometry (OTDR), frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR) or coherent phase OTDR, providing a continuous profile of the measurand along the fiber length.

The characteristics of optical fiber sensors are particularly suited to extreme environments, where conventional sensor technologies often fail. Their tolerance to cryogenic and high temperatures, resistance to ionizing radiation, immunity to electromagnetic interference and low chemical reactivity make them uniquely suited for operation under harsh conditions. In addition, optical fibers can be functionalized to respond selectively to a wide range of measurands, enabling the detection of specific gases (e.g., hydrogen) or biomolecules of interest (e.g., glucose), thereby extending their applicability well beyond conventional strain or temperature measurements.

This Special Issue focuses on fundamental advances and innovative applications of optical fiber sensors in extreme environments. Contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following areas are invited:

• Advancements in Specialty Optical Fibers, including Hollow Core Fibers
• Innovations in FBG fabrication, characterization and interrogation
• Innovations in all aspects of distributed sensing techniques
• Fiber-based sensors for radiation measurements in energy and medical applications
• Novel fiber chemistries and microstructures tailored for specific applications
• Innovations enabling operation of fiber sensors in the following extreme environments:
  • Cryogenic environments such as superconducting magnets for nuclear fusion, particle accelerators, power or defense applications
  • High-temperature environments pushing the limits of conventional silica-based fibers
  • Ionizing radiation environments including nuclear reactors, space systems and targets of particle collider targets

Dr. Federico Scurti
Dr. Amy Van Newkirk
Guest Editors

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