In-process stress measurements using fiber Bragg gratings

The field reliability of optical fiber is dependent upon knowledge of process, installation and in-service stresses. Process induced stresses are often difficult or impossible to quantify by direct means. Fiber Bragg grating technology is being developed to monitor the actual stress history experienced by a fiber during processing and handling. This capability requires the dynamic monitoring of the return optical wavelength from the Bragg grating sensor. A measurement system based upon standard telecommunication technology has been developed to monitor the stress history of a fiber during processing. Fiber stress from a variety of fiber processing situations are presented, including fiber proof testing, splice proof testing and the packaging of fiber into a dispersion compensation module.