Multiplexed strain sensor using fiber grating-tuned fiber laser with a semiconductor optical amplifier

A novel fiber Bragg grating sensor system using a fiber laser with a semico nductor optical amplifier as a gain medium is proposed. The inhomogeneous b roadening property of the semiconductor optical amplifier is used to genera te multiple wavelength operation, which was not possible in an erbium-doped fiber laser due to the homogeneous broadening properly. Using a semiconduc tor optical amplifier, the sensor system c:an involve multiple point sensor heads, which is an eight-point sensor in the initial experiment.