Comparative analysis of wavelength-multiplexed photonic-sensor networks using fused biconical WDMS

Three networks based on fused biconical wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are theoretically and experimentally demonstrated for photonic-intensity-sensor multiplexing. The aim of replacing standard couplers for WDMs in the power division process is to reduce power losses and improve the robustness of the systems to FBG wavelength shifts. The different network topologies are analyzed both in terms of power budget and crosstalk noise, considering the multiplexing of two fiber-taper displacement sensors. The configuration with one detector for each sensor and the corresponding FBG at the detection end is proven to be the best topology in terms of crosstalk, doubling the peak-isolation value of the WDMs employed and yielding a 37.4 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio for a two-sensor network. Regarding power losses, the optimum configuration locates the FBGs at the sensor heads, thus improving power budget and avoiding additional couplers at the detectors. Both topologies are expanded to multiplex four sensors, with crosstalk identified as the critical factor in these networks. With this limiting parameter, the first configuration has been determined as the most suitable for multiplexing a high number of sensors.