Shape Detection Method Using Fiber Optic Sensors
Fiber optic shape sensing uses multi-core fibers with embedded Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) to measure strain and reconstruct 2D or 3D shapes in real time.
Principles of Fiber Optic Shape Sensing
Fiber optic shape sensing relies on measuring strain along optical fibers to determine curvature and reconstruct the fiber's shape. Multi-core fibers (MCFs) contain multiple light-guiding cores, each embedded with FBGs or draw tower gratings (DTGs). When the fiber bends, the strain in each core changes relative to the others, producing measurable shifts in the Bragg wavelength. These shifts are processed to calculate local curvature, bending radius, and 3D shape of the fiber in real time .
Key Methods
- Multi-Core Fiber with FBGs
- Each core contains FBGs at specific axial positions.
- Strain differences between cores are used to reconstruct the fiber's 3D shape.
- Polynomial or exponential models can approximate the fiber's curvature for real-time tip position estimation without iterative computation .
- Achieves sub-millimeter accuracy, suitable for medical robotics, structural inspection, and confined navigation .
- Eccentric FBGs with Deep Learning
- Single-core fibers with eccentric FBGs can also detect shape.
- Deep learning models analyze the full spectral response of the FBGs to predict shape deformations accurately.
- This approach is low-cost and computationally efficient, expanding applications in flexible sensing systems .
- Draw Tower Gratings (DTG®) in Multi-Core Fibers
- DTGs are inscribed simultaneously in multiple cores at the same axial location.
- Allows high-density, precise strain measurement and compensation for temperature effects.
- Widely used in minimally invasive surgery, catheter navigation, and industrial monitoring .
Applications
- Medical Devices: Real-time tracking of catheters, surgical instruments, and minimally invasive tools.
- Robotics: Navigation in confined or complex environments.
- Structural Health Monitoring: Detecting deformation and curvature in aerospace, civil, and industrial structures.
- Industrial Processes: Monitoring pipelines, energy systems, and composite materials .
Advantages
- High accuracy: Sub-millimeter tip position detection.
- Real-time operation: Suitable for embedded or edge computing.
- Non-invasive and flexible: Can operate in constrained or inaccessible spaces.
- Temperature compensation: Algorithms correct for environmental effects on strain measurements . Fiber optic shape sensing continues to evolve with advanced algorithms, deep learning integration, and high-density grating fabrication, making it a versatile and precise method for 2D and 3D shape detection across multiple industries .
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