Fibre optic sensors: a review of today's applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the applications of commercially available fibre optic sensors (FOSs) and consider the reasons for their use.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, the paper discusses the applications of FOSs for physical variables, gases and chemical compounds and identifies the reasons for their use.

Findings

It is shown that, following over three decades of research, FOSs are employed in many physical sensing uses where particular, application‐specific features confer significant user benefits. They are employed to a far lesser extent to monitor gases and chemical compounds, where the intrinsic features of the technology are of less benefit.

Originality/value

This paper provides an account of the applications of FOSs that have emerged since their development in the 1970s.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2011), "Fibre optic sensors: a review of today's applications", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 304-309. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281111169703