City Research Online

Abstract

The author presents a thesis based upon the use of the fluorescent properties of rare earth doped materials. The thesis commences with a review of the current fibre sensor technology in the field, with special emphasis on those sensors designed for temperature and strain measurement. The use of the physical phenomena of fluorescence produced from rare earth doped optical fibre for temperature measurement is then introduced and explained in more detail, particularly with regard to utilisation of the fluorescence lifetime technique in such sensing, which is then compared to the other fluorescence-based methods for measuring temperature.

The recently discovered small strain sensitivity of the fluorescence lifetime is then introduced as a theoretical candidate for potential application to simultaneous temperature strain sensing, using two different doped fibres in a single sensing element, and subsequently state-of-the-art temperature-strain discrimination techniques are then explored for the purposes of exploitation to dual measurement.

Results achieved from using the fluorescent lifetime approach for a range of rare earth materials are then presented, followed by further results obtained from combining the lifetime technique with Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) for the first time. Also, the irreversible effects upon FBG performance after exposure to long-term high temperatures are explored.

Finally, there is a summary of the work presented in this thesis and the author’s opinions on achievements made. Current trends in fluorescence lifetime-based sensing are discussed, both commercially and academically, together with projected work for the future.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Engineering School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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