Single-Crystal Optical Fiber-Based Raman-Distributed Temperature Sensing for Applications in Energy Systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Modern energy generation systems often exhibit some of the most challenging measurement environments on Earth. Coal, oil and gas, or nuclear based systems can present extremely high-temperatures, corrosive or erosive environments, extreme radioactivity, a wide-range of pressures, and extreme levels of vibration. To access the highest value components for sensor applications in these systems, we implement a distributed fiber optic temperature sensing system that measures temperature variations along the full length of the sensor fiber. In contrast to standard distributed fiber sensors, this system uses single-crystal optical fibers made from sapphire or yttrium aluminum garnet as the sensor element. Here, we provide a perspective and overview of our team’s combined efforts to grow single-crystal sapphire optical fibers with 125 µm outer diameters and a range of core sizes via the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) method and refine or clad those fibers using a second LHPG system. These efforts are integrated with our Optical Interrogator Development Program, in which we construct distributed fiber-sensing interrogator units that are tailored to specific energy applications. In closing, we detail recent comparisons with our Raman distributed temperature sensing system and commercially available distributed sensing equipment.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s26216786
Authors: Michael Buric, Gary Lander, Dolendra Karki
Language: English
Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7223784262