Automated location of fiber Bragg gratings in draw tower grating arrays using a thermal scanning technique

Abstract

For some critical applications, the location of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in draw tower grating (DTG) arrays needs to be determined to sub-mm accuracy; for example, successful packaging of the FBGs in mm scale packages. The DTG manufacturing process leaves no external visible identification marks on the fiber, hence location needs to be determined prior to packaging. This work presents an automated fiber marking system that can accurately locate the positions of the FBGs within ±0.1 mm . The simple, low cost, and automated system avoids manual fiber handling and allows accurate packaging of the FBGs for sensing applications.