Full-spectrum interrogation of fiber Bragg gratings at 100 kHz for detection of impact loading

This paper explains key innovations that allow monitoring of detailed spectral features of an FBG in response to impact loading. The new system demonstrates capture of FBG spectral data at rates of 100 kHz. Rapid capture of the entire reflection spectrum at such high reading rates shows important features that are missed when using systems that merely track changes in the peak location of the spectrum. The update rate of 100 kHz allows resolution of features that occur on transient time scales as short as 10 µs. This paper gives a detailed description of the unique features of the apparatus and processes used to capture the data at such a rapid rate. Furthermore, we demonstrate this interrogation scheme on a composite laminate system during impact.