Integrated guided wave generation and sensing using a single laser source and optical fibers

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated lead zirconate titanate/fiber Bragg grating (PZT/FBG) system that can generate and measure guided waves for structural health monitoring (SHM) using a common laser source and optical cables. Among various SHM devices used for guided wave generation and sensing, PZT transducers and FBG sensors have been widely used because of their light weight, non-intrusive nature and compactness. To take the best advantage of the merits of these SHM devices, a combination of PZT-based guided wave generation and FBG-based sensing has been attempted by some researchers. However, the existing hybrid approaches have two independent systems: a wave generation system using electrical devices and a sensing system with optical devices. We have developed a fully integrated PZT/FBG system that uses a single laser source and optical cables. This system can alleviate problems associated with conventional electrical cables, such as electromagnetic interference, signal attenuation and vulnerability to noise. A tunable laser, the common power source for guided wave generation and sensing, is modulated and amplified to excite PZT. This laser is also used with FBG sensors for measuring high-speed strain changes induced by guided waves. The feasibility of this system has been experimentally demonstrated using an aluminum plate.