EP3811130A1 - Bragg grating optical fibre sensor associated with a scattering structure and methods for locating and installing such a sensor - Google Patents

Bragg grating optical fibre sensor associated with a scattering structure and methods for locating and installing such a sensor

Info

Publication number
EP3811130A1
EP3811130A1 EP19742870.9A EP19742870A EP3811130A1 EP 3811130 A1 EP3811130 A1 EP 3811130A1 EP 19742870 A EP19742870 A EP 19742870A EP 3811130 A1 EP3811130 A1 EP 3811130A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bragg grating
optical fiber
microstructures
light beam
sensor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19742870.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Guillaume Laffont
Romain COTILLARD
Nicolas Roussel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran SA
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Original Assignee
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Safran SA
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA, Safran SA, Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA filed Critical Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Publication of EP3811130A1 publication Critical patent/EP3811130A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G02B6/02057—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating comprising gratings
    • G02B6/02076—Refractive index modulation gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings
    • G02B6/0208—Refractive index modulation gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings characterised by their structure, wavelength response
    • G02B6/021—Refractive index modulation gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings characterised by their structure, wavelength response characterised by the core or cladding or coating, e.g. materials, radial refractive index profiles, cladding shape
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G02B6/02295—Microstructured optical fibre
    • G02B6/02309—Structures extending perpendicularly or at a large angle to the longitudinal axis of the fibre, e.g. photonic band gap along fibre axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
    • G01D5/32—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light
    • G01D5/34—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
    • G01D5/353—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
    • G01D5/35306—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre using an interferometer arrangement
    • G01D5/35309—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre using an interferometer arrangement using multiple waves interferometer
    • G01D5/35316—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre using an interferometer arrangement using multiple waves interferometer using a Bragg gratings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J5/00—Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K11/00—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00
    • G01K11/32—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in transmittance, scattering or luminescence in optical fibres
    • G01K11/3206—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in transmittance, scattering or luminescence in optical fibres at discrete locations in the fibre, e.g. using Bragg scattering
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/24—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis using infrared, visible light, ultraviolet
    • G01L1/242—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis using infrared, visible light, ultraviolet the material being an optical fibre
    • G01L1/246—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis using infrared, visible light, ultraviolet the material being an optical fibre using integrated gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
    • G01M11/08—Testing mechanical properties
    • G01M11/081—Testing mechanical properties by using a contact-less detection method, i.e. with a camera
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
    • G01M11/08—Testing mechanical properties
    • G01M11/083—Testing mechanical properties by using an optical fiber in contact with the device under test [DUT]
    • G01M11/085—Testing mechanical properties by using an optical fiber in contact with the device under test [DUT] the optical fiber being on or near the surface of the DUT
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M5/00—Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or air-craft wings
    • G01M5/0091—Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or air-craft wings by using electromagnetic excitation or detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G02B6/02057—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating comprising gratings
    • G02B6/02076—Refractive index modulation gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings
    • G02B6/02123—Refractive index modulation gratings, e.g. Bragg gratings characterised by the method of manufacture of the grating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J5/00—Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
    • G01J2005/0077—Imaging

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of integrated health monitoring using fiber optic Bragg grating sensors. It relates to such a sensor as well as methods of locating and installing this sensor on a support.
  • the invention applies in particular to the installation or to the verification of the positioning of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a surface of a structure made of composite material, or even within this structure.
  • Composite materials are widely used today to replace metallic materials in many applications including aeronautics. They offer the advantage of allowing a significant reduction in the weight of the structures while having similar mechanical properties. However, the aging of composite materials and the associated evolution of their mechanical properties are still poorly understood. Thus, in applications requiring a high level of security, such as aeronautics, the use of these materials is often associated with the integration of different sensors on or in the structure in order to follow this development.
  • integrated health control or "structural health monitoring” in English.
  • fiber optic sensors with Bragg gratings represent a particularly suitable technology.
  • the same Bragg gratings with a fiber optic sensor can comprise several Bragg gratings acting in different wavelength bands and thus providing as many sensitive elements for the same optical fiber: this is called spectral multiplexing of the Bragg gratings.
  • the Bragg gratings can also be differentiated in the time domain, or in both the frequency domain and the time domain: we then speak respectively of temporal multiplexing and spectral and temporal multiplexing.
  • Bragg gratings with fiber optics can be integrated on the surface of structures or at the very heart of the material, for example in the folds of the composite material, during its manufacture. In all cases, precise positioning of the Bragg gratings on given areas of interest is generally necessary when installing the fiber optic sensors. However, this positioning is made difficult by the lack of visibility of the Bragg network or networks registered in the optical fiber.
  • Optical fibers generally have a relatively small diameter, the outside diameter of the protective coating being typically between 150 ⁇ m (micrometers) and 250 ⁇ m and the diameter of the core being typically of the order of ten nanometers in the case of so-called optical fibers. single-mode or even a few tens of micrometers in the case of so-called multimode optical fibers.
  • Bragg gratings being inscribed in the core of optical fibers, they also have very small dimensions, usually making them barely visible or barely visible.
  • One solution is to mark the optical fiber at the Bragg gratings to allow an indirect location.
  • the marking consists for example of depositing an adhesive tape or a layer of paint around the optical fiber.
  • the marks remain difficult to spot because the outside diameter of the fiber is small.
  • the material on the surface of which the sensor is to be installed is generally dark, which makes it even more difficult to see the marks.
  • this surface marking may disappear under the action of products chemical, for example cleaning the surface of the optical fiber with ethanol before bonding it to the surface of a structure.
  • the location of the Bragg gratings may still prove useful after the installation of fiber optic sensors on the instrumented structure. This location makes it possible to verify the correct positioning of the measurement points or to find these measurement points, for example during maintenance phases of the structure.
  • the location of the Bragg gratings suffers from the same difficulties as during their installation.
  • the task can be complicated by adding, after installation of the Bragg grating sensors, a film of adhesive or a protective coating on the surface of the structure. It is then possible that the Bragg gratings are no longer visually identifiable at all. The same is true when fiber optic Bragg grating sensors are embedded in the composite material.
  • One solution for locating the Bragg gratings of a fiber optic sensor installed on a structure consists in requesting them locally and individually while injecting a measurement signal into the optical fiber and by monitoring their spectral response.
  • the positions for which a variation in the Bragg wavelength is observed correspond to the positions of the Bragg gratings.
  • This approach makes it possible to locate Bragg gratings on the surface or embedded in the material.
  • scanning can be long and tedious in the case of large areas.
  • the heat source must be kept close enough to the surface to ensure sufficient variation in the response of the Bragg gratings and sufficiently distant to avoid damage to the structure. For non-planar surfaces, specific tools would be required to perform the sweep.
  • the invention aims to provide a simple solution to allow the localization of the different Bragg gratings of a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor integrated into a structure, both during installation of this sensor and after installation.
  • the invention is based on the property of elastic diffusion of microstructures present in an optical fiber.
  • a light beam has a wavelength of the same order of magnitude as the dimensions of the microstructures, this light beam is scattered by each of these microstructures. Part of the light beam is thus diffused towards the outside of the optical fiber at the level of each microstructure and can be viewed directly or indirectly.
  • the microstructures can correspond to the patterns forming a Bragg grating or be formed specifically in addition to the Bragg grids.
  • the first object of the invention is a method of locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a support, the sensor comprising an optical fiber in which at least one set of microstructures is inscribed, each microstructure being suitable diffusing part of a light beam in a predetermined scattering wavelength range.
  • the method comprises a step of injecting, into the optical fiber, a light beam the spectrum of which includes said range of predetermined scattering wavelengths so that each microstructure diffuses part of the beam luminous.
  • the second object of the invention is a method of installing a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor on a support.
  • the method comprises locating the Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the method described above and a step of positioning the optical fiber on the support as a function of the scattered part of the light beam.
  • the term “support” designates any mechanical part capable of accommodating on its surface or within it at least one section of optical fiber of a Bragg grating optical fiber optical sensor.
  • the support can in particular be made of composite material. It forms, for example, a panel of a nacelle of a turbojet engine or a panel of the fuselage of an aircraft.
  • microstructure designates any pattern formed in the optical fiber by a local variation of the optical index.
  • Each microstructure has a shape and dimensions allowing a diffusion phenomenon, in particular a diffusion of Mie. It can thus be designated by the term "diffusing microstructure".
  • Each microstructure typically has dimensions of the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the light beam injected into the optical fiber. The dimensions of each microstructure are for example between l / 10 and 10l, where l denotes the wavelength of the light beam or the central wavelength of the spectrum of the light beam.
  • each microstructure diffuses part of the light beam injected into the optical fiber. Diffusion implies that part of the light beam escapes radially from the optical fiber, allowing its detection with the naked eye or with the aid of an instrument.
  • the position of the microstructures along the optical fiber can thus be identified by the radiation emitted radially by the optical fiber.
  • the installation method further comprises a step of projecting a light target onto the support.
  • the light target indicates each location where a Bragg grating is to be positioned on the support.
  • the light target is for example formed by projection of a light beam whose spectrum includes a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum.
  • the light target comprises for example a set of light points.
  • the microstructures and the spectrum of the light beam can be determined so that the microstructures scatter the light beam in part of the visible spectrum. In other words, the microstructures can have dimensions of between 380 nm (nanometers) and 780 nm. The position of the microstructures along the optical fiber can then be seen with the naked eye.
  • the microstructures and spectrum can also be determined based on a range of absorption wavelengths of the support material, called the "absorption range".
  • the microstructures and the spectrum can be determined so that the microstructures diffuse the light beam in a wavelength range allowing the conversion of the electromagnetic energy of the light beam into heat.
  • This embodiment is particularly suitable for locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor integrated within the support.
  • the localization or installation process may also include a step of acquiring an image of the support in the infrared spectrum. This step can be carried out using an infrared image sensor, commonly called a “thermal camera”. It makes it possible to identify hot spots generated on or in the support by the local diffusion of the light beam by means of microstructures.
  • the microstructures of each assembly are arranged so as to form a Bragg grating in the optical fiber.
  • the microstructures are arranged so as to diffuse the light beam injected into the optical fiber, but also so as to reflect it.
  • the reflection phenomenon is obtained by arranging the microstructures periodically along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber.
  • the microstructures are formed in the core of the optical fiber or at the interface between the core and the sheath of the optical fiber.
  • each microstructure has a spherical shape.
  • a Bragg grating is then presented in the form of a periodic chain of microbubbles.
  • the microbubbles have for example a diameter between l / 10 and 10l, where l denotes the wavelength of the light beam or the central wavelength of the spectrum of the light beam.
  • the microstructures can take other forms, for example an ellipsoid or an ellipsoid of revolution.
  • a shape that is not perfectly spherical can in particular be useful in order to scatter the light beam anisotropically.
  • microstructures can also be in the form of corrugations at the interface between the core and the sheath of the optical fiber.
  • the optical fiber comprises, on the one hand, microstructures generating a diffusion phenomenon and, on the other hand, patterns generating a reflection phenomenon.
  • each set of microstructures is positioned in the vicinity of a Bragg grating.
  • the scattering of part of the light beam occurs near the Bragg grating, making its position visible along the optical fiber.
  • the microstructures can be arranged in the core of the optical fiber, for example upstream and / or downstream of the Bragg grating.
  • the microstructures can be arranged in the optical fiber sheath. They can in particular be arranged in the sheath in the vicinity of the interface between the core and the optical sheath. They can be arranged upstream, downstream and / or parallel to the Bragg network.
  • the arrangement of microstructures in the optical fiber cladding is suitable when the diffusion and reflection phenomena occur in distinct wavelength ranges. A light beam having a wavelength range outside the guide wavelength range of the optical fiber can then propagate in the sheath and be scattered by the microstructures.
  • the arrangement of the microstructures in the sheath of the optical fiber has the advantage of not impacting the propagation of the light beam in the useful wavelength range of the Bragg grating.
  • the invention also relates to a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor comprising an optical fiber in which is inscribed at least one set of patterns forming a Bragg grating.
  • the optical fiber further comprises a set of microstructures in the vicinity of each Bragg grating, the microstructures being distinct from the patterns forming the Bragg grating, each microstructure being capable of diffusing part of a light beam within a predetermined scattering wavelength range.
  • the optical fiber comprises a core and an optical sheath and the microstructures are arranged in the optical sheath.
  • the microstructures are arranged in the vicinity of the heart, that is to say closer to the internal peripheral surface of the optical sheath than to the external peripheral surface of the optical sheath.
  • microstructures could also be placed in the core of the optical fiber or at the interface between the core and the optical sheath.
  • the microstructures are for example in the form of spheres or ellipsoids of revolution. They can also be in the form of corrugations at the interface between the heart and the optical sheath.
  • each Bragg grating is arranged to reflect a light beam in a wavelength range of Predetermined Bragg, distinct from the predetermined scattering wavelength range.
  • the Bragg wavelength range and the scattering wavelength range may partially overlap or be disjoint.
  • diffusion and reflection phenomena occur in different wavelength ranges.
  • the microstructures of each assembly form a Bragg grating
  • the microstructures are distinct from the patterns of the Bragg grating, this implies that the microstructures have dimensions that are distinct from the period of the patterns of the Bragg grating.
  • each Bragg grating is arranged to reflect a light beam in a range of predetermined Bragg wavelengths, included in the range of predetermined scattering wavelength.
  • the two wavelength ranges can be identical.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a second example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a third example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows an example of a method of locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 shows an example of a method of installing a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor according to the invention
  • FIG. 1 represents a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor which can be used in the implementation of the localization or installation method according to the invention.
  • the optical fiber sensor 10 comprises an optical fiber 11 comprising a heart 111 and an optical sheath 112 surrounding the heart 111.
  • the heart 111 and the optical sheath 112 extend longitudinally along an axis X.
  • the optical fiber sensor 10 further comprises a set of microbubbles 12 formed in the heart 111 of the optical fiber 11.
  • the microbubbles 12 are arranged on the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 11. They have a refractive index different from that of the heart 111 of optical fiber 11.
  • Each microbubble 12 is in the form of a sphere whose diameter is between 10 nm (nanometers) and 1 mm (millimeter). The diameter can in particular be between 380 nm and 780 nm, in order to correspond to the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, or between 780 nm and 1 mm, in order to correspond to the infrared spectrum. It is for example 400 nm.
  • the microbubbles 12 provide a first function of diffusion of a light beam conveyed by the optical fiber 11. In other words, they form a diffusing structure. The diameter of the spheres must therefore correspond substantially to the wavelength of the light beam for which diffusion is sought.
  • the microbubbles 12 are distributed periodically along the X axis with a pitch of between 10 nm and 1 mm.
  • the pitch can in particular be between 380 nm and 780 nm or between 780 nm and 1 mm. It is determined by the distance separating the centers of two adjacent microbubbles 12.
  • the microbubbles 12 provide a second function for reflecting the light beam conveyed by the optical fiber. They form patterns of a Bragg grating.
  • the pitch must correspond to the wavelength for which a reflection is sought. This wavelength is called the "Bragg wavelength”. It should be noted that the Bragg wavelength may differ from the scattering wavelength.
  • the optical fiber 11 may comprise a plurality of sets of microbubbles 12 distributed along the optical fiber 11 in order to form as many Bragg gratings and diffusing structures.
  • the microbubbles may have dimensions and / or steps which differ depending on the set to which they belong. Thus, the diffusion and reflection phenomena appear for different wavelengths.
  • the microbubbles have identical dimensions in the different sets but different steps between the different sets.
  • Bragg gratings can be located using a light beam having a single wavelength or a relatively narrow range of wavelengths.
  • Bragg gratings respond to mechanical constraints and temperature changes at different wavelengths and thus constitute individual sensors.
  • FIG. 2 represents a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention and a second example of such a sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention.
  • the optical fiber sensor 20 comprises an optical fiber 21 comprising a heart 211 and an optical sheath 212 surrounding the heart 211, the heart 211 and the optical sheath 212 extending longitudinally and concentrically along an axis X.
  • the sensor fiber optic 20 further comprises a set of microbubbles 22 and a set of patterns 23 formed in the core 211 of the optical fiber 21.
  • the microbubbles 22 and the patterns 23 have a refractive index different from that of the core 211 of the fiber optics 21.
  • the microbubbles 22 are for example photo-registered by femtosecond laser. They are arranged on the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 21, on either side of the patterns 23. The diameter of the microbubbles is determined as a function of the wavelength at which the diffusion phenomenon is desired.
  • the patterns 23 having a cylindrical shape whose axis corresponds to the axis X of the optical fiber 21. They extend radially over the entire section of the core 211 of the optical fiber 21.
  • the patterns 23 are distributed periodically over the along the X axis of the optical fiber 21. They thus form a Bragg grating whose Bragg wavelength depends on the pitch separating the patterns and on the refractive index of the heart 211.
  • microbubbles could also be used as patterns for the Bragg grating.
  • the microbubbles 22 are arranged on either side of the Bragg grating, that is to say upstream and downstream of the Bragg grating. They do not directly indicate the position of the Bragg grating but they allow its precise location by framing it. In other embodiments, the microbubbles could be arranged only on one side of the Bragg grating.
  • FIG. 3 represents a second example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention and a third example of such a sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention.
  • the optical fiber sensor 30 comprises an optical fiber 31 comprising a heart 311 and an optical sheath 312 surrounding the heart 311, the heart 311 and the sheath optics 312 extend longitudinally and concentrically along an X axis.
  • the optical fiber sensor 30 further comprises a set of microbubbles 32 formed in the optical sheath 312 and a set of patterns 33 formed in the heart 311.
  • the microbubbles 32 and the patterns 33 have a refractive index different from that of the core 311.
  • the patterns 33 are identical to the patterns 23 of the optical fiber sensor 20 shown in FIG. 2.
  • the optical fiber sensor 30 differs from the optical fiber 20 of FIG. 2 in that the microbubbles 32 are arranged in the optical sheath 312, in the vicinity of the patterns 33 of the Bragg grating.
  • the microbubbles 32 can be arranged in a single plane passing through the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 31 or in several planes passing through the axis X.
  • the microbubbles 32 are preferably positioned in the vicinity of the interface between the core 311 and the optical sheath 312.
  • the diffusing structure is always produced by microbubbles.
  • any other type of microstructure capable of diffusing a light beam at least partially guided in the optical fiber could be used.
  • the microstructures could have an ellipsoid shape.
  • the optical fiber could include a protective coating enveloping the optical sheath. This protective coating can potentially partially pass the scattered light beam.
  • FIG. 4 represents an example of steps of a method for locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention.
  • the optical fiber sensor is inserted within a structure or mounted on a surface of this structure.
  • the Bragg grating fiber optic sensor can in particular be one of the sensors described above.
  • the location method 40 includes a step 41 of injecting a light beam into the optical fiber of the optical fiber sensor.
  • the light beam has a spectrum determined as a function of a range of absorption wavelengths of the material of the structure. In other words, the spectrum is determined so that the local scattering of the light beam causes the structure to heat up.
  • the power of the light beam is also determined so as to cause a local temperature variation sufficient for the structure.
  • a step 42 an infrared image of the structure is acquired.
  • an image acquisition of the structure is carried out in the infrared spectrum.
  • This step 42 can be carried out in parallel with step 41, for example after a predetermined duration, allowing local heating of the structure, or after step 41.
  • the infrared image is converted into the spectrum visible to allow an operator to locate hot spots on the image indicating the presence of a diffusing structure and therefore of a Bragg grating.
  • the light beam may have a spectrum spreading at least partly in the infrared domain.
  • the scattered light beam can be directly detected by the infrared sensor without requiring the structure to heat up.
  • FIG. 5 represents an example of steps of a method of installing a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention.
  • the Bragg grating fiber optic sensor can in particular be one of the sensors described above.
  • the installation method 50 comprises a step 51 of injecting a light beam into the optical fiber of the sensor, a step 52 of projecting a light target onto a support, a step 53 of positioning the Bragg gratings and a step 54 of fixing the fiber optic sensor.
  • the light beam injected into the optical fiber preferably comprises a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The scattered part of this light beam can thus be observed directly by an operator.
  • the light target comprises a set of light points each defining a location on the support intended to accommodate a Bragg grating.
  • Step 53 of positioning the Bragg gratings consists in making each section of optical fiber diffusing the light beam coincide with a light point on the target.
  • Stage 54 of fixing the fiber optic sensor consists in fixing the fiber optic sensor on the support so as to maintain the Bragg gratings on the desired locations.
  • the optical fiber sensor can in particular be bonded to the support or coated in the support by depositing a layer of material.
  • the step 52 of projection of the light target is carried out in parallel with the step 51 of injection of the light beam and of the step 53 of positioning of the Bragg gratings. Step 52 can also be continued during and after step 54 of fixing the sensor.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the method of installing a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a support according to the invention.
  • the optical fiber sensor 60 comprises an optical fiber 61 in which are integrated twelve Bragg gratings individually identifiable by diffusing structures 62.
  • a light beam is injected into the optical fiber 61 and is partly scattered by each diffusing structure 62.
  • a light target is projected onto a support 64 in order to form twelve light points 65 indicating a desired location for a Bragg grating.
  • the optical fiber 61 is positioned so as to extend by snaking on a support 64 by making the diffusing structures 62 correspond with the light points 65.

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Abstract

The invention concerns the field of integrated health monitoring using Bragg grating optical fibre sensors. It concerns such a sensor and methods for locating and installing this sensor on a support. According to the invention, the Bragg grating optical fibre sensor (30) comprises an optical fibre (31) in which at least one set of patterns (33) forming a Bragg grating is written, the optical fibre further comprising a set of microstructures (32) in the vicinity of each Bragg grating, the microstructures being separate from the patterns forming the Bragg grating, each microstructure (32) being capable of scattering a portion of a light beam within a predetermined range of scattering wavelengths.

Description

CAPTEUR À FIBRE OPTIQUE À RÉSEAU DE BRAGG ASSOCIÉ À UNE STRUCTURE DIFFUSANTE ET PROCÉDÉS DE LOCALISATION ET D'INSTALLATION D'UN TEL CAPTEUR  FIBER OPTIC SENSOR WITH BRAGG NETWORK ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFUSING STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF LOCATING AND INSTALLING SUCH A SENSOR
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
DOMAINE TECHNIQUE TECHNICAL AREA
L'invention se situe dans le domaine du contrôle de santé intégré à l'aide de capteurs à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg. Elle concerne un tel capteur ainsi que des procédés de localisation et d'installation de ce capteur sur un support.  The invention relates to the field of integrated health monitoring using fiber optic Bragg grating sensors. It relates to such a sensor as well as methods of locating and installing this sensor on a support.
L'invention s'applique notamment à l'installation ou à la vérification du positionnement d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur une surface d'une structure en matériau composite, voire au sein de cette structure. The invention applies in particular to the installation or to the verification of the positioning of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a surface of a structure made of composite material, or even within this structure.
ÉTAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTÉRIEURE PRIOR STATE OF THE ART
Les matériaux composites sont aujourd'hui largement utilisés en remplacement de matériaux métalliques dans de nombreuses applications dont l'aéronautique. Ils offrent l'avantage de permettre une réduction importante du poids des structures tout en présentant des propriétés mécaniques analogues. Toutefois, le vieillissement des matériaux composites et l'évolution associée de leurs propriétés mécaniques sont encore mal connus. Ainsi, dans les applications requérant un haut niveau de sécurité, comme l'aéronautique, l'utilisation de ces matériaux est souvent associée à l'intégration de différents capteurs sur ou dans la structure afin de suivre cette évolution. Les différentes technologies impliquant le suivi des propriétés d'une structure à l'aide de capteurs intégrés sont désignées par l'expression « contrôle de santé intégré », ou « structural health monitoring » en anglais. Parmi les différents types de capteurs pouvant être utilisés, les capteurs à fibre optique à réseaux de Bragg représentent une technologie particulièrement adaptée. Ils permettent de fournir des mesures de température et de déformation, aussi bien en régime statique ou quasi-statique qu'en régime dynamique. Il est notamment possible d'effectuer des mesures vibratoires, des mesures d'accélération ou encore de détecter des ondes acoustiques. Toutes ces données sont utiles à la détection, à la localisation et à la caractérisation de défauts des structures instrumentées. En outre, un même capteur à fibre optique à réseaux de Bragg peut comporter plusieurs réseaux de Bragg agissant dans des bandes de longueurs d'onde différenciées et fournissant ainsi autant d'éléments sensibles pour une même fibre optique : on parle alors de multiplexage spectral des réseaux de Bragg. Les réseaux de Bragg peuvent également être différenciés dans le domaine temporel, ou à la fois dans le domaine fréquentiel et le domaine temporel : on parle alors respectivement de multiplexage temporel et de multiplexage spectral et temporel. Composite materials are widely used today to replace metallic materials in many applications including aeronautics. They offer the advantage of allowing a significant reduction in the weight of the structures while having similar mechanical properties. However, the aging of composite materials and the associated evolution of their mechanical properties are still poorly understood. Thus, in applications requiring a high level of security, such as aeronautics, the use of these materials is often associated with the integration of different sensors on or in the structure in order to follow this development. The various technologies involving monitoring the properties of a structure using integrated sensors are designated by the expression "integrated health control", or "structural health monitoring" in English. Among the different types of sensors that can be used, fiber optic sensors with Bragg gratings represent a particularly suitable technology. They make it possible to provide measurements of temperature and deformation, as well in static or quasi-static mode as in dynamic mode. It is in particular possible to carry out vibration measurements, acceleration measurements or to detect acoustic waves. All these data are useful for the detection, localization and characterization of faults in instrumented structures. In addition, the same Bragg gratings with a fiber optic sensor can comprise several Bragg gratings acting in different wavelength bands and thus providing as many sensitive elements for the same optical fiber: this is called spectral multiplexing of the Bragg gratings. The Bragg gratings can also be differentiated in the time domain, or in both the frequency domain and the time domain: we then speak respectively of temporal multiplexing and spectral and temporal multiplexing.
Les capteurs à fibre optique à réseaux de Bragg peuvent être intégrés en surface des structures ou au cœur même du matériau, par exemple dans les plis du matériau composite, au cours de sa fabrication. Dans tous les cas, un positionnement précis des réseaux de Bragg sur des zones d'intérêt données est généralement nécessaire lors de l'installation des capteurs à fibre optique. Or ce positionnement est rendu difficile par le manque de visibilité du ou des réseaux de Bragg inscrits dans la fibre optique. Les fibres optiques ont généralement un diamètre relativement faible, le diamètre extérieur du revêtement de protection étant typiquement compris entre 150 pm (micromètres) et 250 pm et le diamètre du cœur étant typiquement de l'ordre de dix nanomètres dans le cas des fibres optiques dites monomodes voire de quelques dizaines de micromètres dans le cas des fibres optiques dites multimodes. Les réseaux de Bragg étant inscrits dans le cœur des fibres optiques, ils présentent également de très faibles dimensions, les rendant habituellement pas ou peu visibles. Une solution consiste à marquer la fibre optique au niveau des réseaux de Bragg pour permettre un repérage indirect. Le marquage consiste par exemple à déposer un ruban adhésif ou une couche de peinture autour de la fibre optique. Toutefois, les marques restent difficiles à repérer du fait que le diamètre extérieur de la fibre est faible. En outre, le matériau à la surface duquel le capteur doit être installé est généralement sombre, ce qui rend encore plus difficile la visualisation des marques. Enfin, ce marquage de surface peut disparaître sous l'action de produits chimiques, par exemple de nettoyage de la surface de la fibre optique par de l'éthanol avant son collage en surface d'une structure. Bragg gratings with fiber optics can be integrated on the surface of structures or at the very heart of the material, for example in the folds of the composite material, during its manufacture. In all cases, precise positioning of the Bragg gratings on given areas of interest is generally necessary when installing the fiber optic sensors. However, this positioning is made difficult by the lack of visibility of the Bragg network or networks registered in the optical fiber. Optical fibers generally have a relatively small diameter, the outside diameter of the protective coating being typically between 150 μm (micrometers) and 250 μm and the diameter of the core being typically of the order of ten nanometers in the case of so-called optical fibers. single-mode or even a few tens of micrometers in the case of so-called multimode optical fibers. Bragg gratings being inscribed in the core of optical fibers, they also have very small dimensions, usually making them barely visible or barely visible. One solution is to mark the optical fiber at the Bragg gratings to allow an indirect location. The marking consists for example of depositing an adhesive tape or a layer of paint around the optical fiber. However, the marks remain difficult to spot because the outside diameter of the fiber is small. In addition, the material on the surface of which the sensor is to be installed is generally dark, which makes it even more difficult to see the marks. Finally, this surface marking may disappear under the action of products chemical, for example cleaning the surface of the optical fiber with ethanol before bonding it to the surface of a structure.
Par ailleurs, la localisation des réseaux de Bragg peut encore s'avérer utile après l'installation des capteurs à fibre optique sur la structure instrumentée. Cette localisation permet de vérifier le positionnement correct des points de mesure ou de retrouver ces points de mesure, par exemple lors de phases de maintenance de la structure. Lorsque la fibre optique est fixée à la surface de la structure, le repérage des réseaux de Bragg souffre des mêmes difficultés que lors de leur installation. En outre, la tâche peut être compliquée par l'ajout, après l'installation des capteurs à réseaux de Bragg, d'un film de colle ou d'un revêtement protecteur sur la surface de la structure. Il est alors possible que les réseaux de Bragg ne soient plus du tout repérables visuellement. Il en va de même lorsque les capteurs à fibre optique à réseaux de Bragg sont noyés au sein du matériau composite. Une solution pour repérer les réseaux de Bragg d'un capteur à fibre optique installé sur une structure consiste à les solliciter localement et individuellement tout en injectant un signal de mesure dans la fibre optique et en surveillant leur réponse spectrale. En pratique, il est possible d'effectuer un balayage de la surface de la structure à l'aide d'une source ponctuelle de chaleur et de surveiller la réponse spectrale des réseaux de Bragg. Les positions pour lesquelles une variation de la longueur d'onde de Bragg est observée correspondent aux positions des réseaux de Bragg. Cette approche permet de localiser des réseaux de Bragg en surface ou noyés dans le matériau. Cependant, le balayage peut être long et fastidieux dans le cas de surfaces étendues. En outre, la source de chaleur doit être maintenue suffisamment proche de la surface pour assurer une variation suffisante de la réponse des réseaux de Bragg et suffisamment éloignée pour éviter un endommagement de la structure. Pour des surfaces non planaires, un outillage spécifique serait nécessaire pour effectuer le balayage. Furthermore, the location of the Bragg gratings may still prove useful after the installation of fiber optic sensors on the instrumented structure. This location makes it possible to verify the correct positioning of the measurement points or to find these measurement points, for example during maintenance phases of the structure. When the optical fiber is fixed to the surface of the structure, the location of the Bragg gratings suffers from the same difficulties as during their installation. In addition, the task can be complicated by adding, after installation of the Bragg grating sensors, a film of adhesive or a protective coating on the surface of the structure. It is then possible that the Bragg gratings are no longer visually identifiable at all. The same is true when fiber optic Bragg grating sensors are embedded in the composite material. One solution for locating the Bragg gratings of a fiber optic sensor installed on a structure consists in requesting them locally and individually while injecting a measurement signal into the optical fiber and by monitoring their spectral response. In practice, it is possible to scan the surface of the structure using a point source of heat and to monitor the spectral response of the Bragg gratings. The positions for which a variation in the Bragg wavelength is observed correspond to the positions of the Bragg gratings. This approach makes it possible to locate Bragg gratings on the surface or embedded in the material. However, scanning can be long and tedious in the case of large areas. In addition, the heat source must be kept close enough to the surface to ensure sufficient variation in the response of the Bragg gratings and sufficiently distant to avoid damage to the structure. For non-planar surfaces, specific tools would be required to perform the sweep.
Compte tenu de ce qui précède, l'invention a pour objectif de fournir une solution simple pour permettre la localisation des différents réseaux de Bragg d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg intégré à une structure, aussi bien lors de l'installation de ce capteur qu'après cette installation. In view of the above, the invention aims to provide a simple solution to allow the localization of the different Bragg gratings of a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor integrated into a structure, both during installation of this sensor and after installation.
EXPOSÉ DE L'INVENTION STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
À cet effet, l'invention repose sur la propriété de diffusion élastique de microstructures présentes dans une fibre optique. Lorsqu'un faisceau lumineux présente une longueur d'onde du même ordre de grandeur que les dimensions des microstructures, ce faisceau lumineux est diffusé par chacune de ces microstructures. Une partie du faisceau lumineux est ainsi diffusée vers l'extérieur de la fibre optique au niveau de chaque microstructure et peut être visualisée directement ou indirectement. Les microstructures peuvent correspondre aux motifs formant un réseau de Bragg ou être formées spécifiquement en plus des réseaux de Bragg.  To this end, the invention is based on the property of elastic diffusion of microstructures present in an optical fiber. When a light beam has a wavelength of the same order of magnitude as the dimensions of the microstructures, this light beam is scattered by each of these microstructures. Part of the light beam is thus diffused towards the outside of the optical fiber at the level of each microstructure and can be viewed directly or indirectly. The microstructures can correspond to the patterns forming a Bragg grating or be formed specifically in addition to the Bragg grids.
Plus précisément, l'invention a pour premier objet un procédé de localisation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur un support, le capteur comprenant une fibre optique dans laquelle est inscrit au moins un ensemble de microstructures, chaque microstructure étant apte à diffuser une partie d'un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. Selon l'invention, le procédé comprend une étape d'injection, dans la fibre optique, d'un faisceau lumineux dont le spectre comporte ladite plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée de manière à ce que chaque microstructure diffuse une partie du faisceau lumineux. More specifically, the first object of the invention is a method of locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a support, the sensor comprising an optical fiber in which at least one set of microstructures is inscribed, each microstructure being suitable diffusing part of a light beam in a predetermined scattering wavelength range. According to the invention, the method comprises a step of injecting, into the optical fiber, a light beam the spectrum of which includes said range of predetermined scattering wavelengths so that each microstructure diffuses part of the beam luminous.
L'invention a pour deuxième objet un procédé d'installation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur un support. Le procédé comprend la localisation du capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon le procédé décrit ci-dessus et une étape de positionnement de la fibre optique sur le support en fonction de la partie diffusée du faisceau lumineux. Dans le présent document, le terme « support » désigne toute pièce mécanique susceptible d'accueillir à sa surface ou en son sein au moins un tronçon de fibre optique d'un capteur optique à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg. Le support peut notamment être réalisé en matériau composite. Il forme par exemple un panneau d'une nacelle d'un turboréacteur ou un panneau du fuselage d'un aéronef. The second object of the invention is a method of installing a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor on a support. The method comprises locating the Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the method described above and a step of positioning the optical fiber on the support as a function of the scattered part of the light beam. In this document, the term “support” designates any mechanical part capable of accommodating on its surface or within it at least one section of optical fiber of a Bragg grating optical fiber optical sensor. The support can in particular be made of composite material. It forms, for example, a panel of a nacelle of a turbojet engine or a panel of the fuselage of an aircraft.
Le terme « microstructure » désigne tout motif formé dans la fibre optique par une variation locale de l'indice optique. Chaque microstructure présente une forme et des dimensions permettant un phénomène de diffusion, en particulier une diffusion de Mie. Elle peut ainsi être désignée par le terme « microstructure diffusante ». Chaque microstructure présente typiquement des dimensions du même ordre de grandeur que la longueur d'onde du faisceau lumineux injecté dans la fibre optique. Les dimensions de chaque microstructure sont par exemple comprises entre l/10 et 10l, où l désigne la longueur d'onde du faisceau lumineux ou la longueur d'onde centrale du spectre du faisceau lumineux. The term “microstructure” designates any pattern formed in the optical fiber by a local variation of the optical index. Each microstructure has a shape and dimensions allowing a diffusion phenomenon, in particular a diffusion of Mie. It can thus be designated by the term "diffusing microstructure". Each microstructure typically has dimensions of the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the light beam injected into the optical fiber. The dimensions of each microstructure are for example between l / 10 and 10l, where l denotes the wavelength of the light beam or the central wavelength of the spectrum of the light beam.
Selon l'invention, chaque microstructure diffuse une partie du faisceau lumineux injecté dans la fibre optique. La diffusion implique qu'une partie du faisceau lumineux s'échappe radialement de la fibre optique, permettant sa détection à l'œil nu ou à l'aide d'un instrument. La position des microstructures le long de la fibre optique peut ainsi être repérée par le rayonnement émis radialement par la fibre optique. According to the invention, each microstructure diffuses part of the light beam injected into the optical fiber. Diffusion implies that part of the light beam escapes radially from the optical fiber, allowing its detection with the naked eye or with the aid of an instrument. The position of the microstructures along the optical fiber can thus be identified by the radiation emitted radially by the optical fiber.
Dans une forme particulière de réalisation, le procédé d'installation comporte en outre une étape de projection d'une cible lumineuse sur le support. La cible lumineuse indique chaque emplacement où un réseau de Bragg doit être positionné sur le support. La cible lumineuse est par exemple formée par projection d'un faisceau lumineux dont le spectre comporte une plage de longueurs d'onde dans le spectre visible. La cible lumineuse comprend par exemple un ensemble de points lumineux. Les microstructures et le spectre du faisceau lumineux peuvent être déterminés de sorte que les microstructures diffusent le faisceau lumineux dans une partie du spectre visible. Autrement dit, les microstructures peuvent présenter des dimensions comprises entre 380 nm (nanomètres) et 780 nm. La position des microstructures le long de la fibre optique peut alors être repérée à l'œil nu. In a particular embodiment, the installation method further comprises a step of projecting a light target onto the support. The light target indicates each location where a Bragg grating is to be positioned on the support. The light target is for example formed by projection of a light beam whose spectrum includes a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The light target comprises for example a set of light points. The microstructures and the spectrum of the light beam can be determined so that the microstructures scatter the light beam in part of the visible spectrum. In other words, the microstructures can have dimensions of between 380 nm (nanometers) and 780 nm. The position of the microstructures along the optical fiber can then be seen with the naked eye.
Les microstructures et le spectre peuvent aussi être déterminés en fonction d'une plage de longueurs d'onde d'absorption du matériau du support, appelée « plage d'absorption ». En particulier, les microstructures et le spectre peuvent être déterminés de sorte que les microstructures diffusent le faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde permettant la conversion de l'énergie électromagnétique du faisceau lumineux en chaleur. Ce mode de réalisation est particulièrement adapté à la localisation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg intégré au sein du support. The microstructures and spectrum can also be determined based on a range of absorption wavelengths of the support material, called the "absorption range". In particular, the microstructures and the spectrum can be determined so that the microstructures diffuse the light beam in a wavelength range allowing the conversion of the electromagnetic energy of the light beam into heat. This embodiment is particularly suitable for locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor integrated within the support.
Le procédé de localisation ou d'installation peut comporter, en outre, une étape d'acquisition d'une image du support dans le spectre infrarouge. Cette étape peut être réalisée à l'aide d'un capteur d'image infrarouge, communément appelé « caméra thermique ». Elle permet de repérer des points chauds générés sur ou dans le support par la diffusion locale du faisceau lumineux au moyen des microstructures. The localization or installation process may also include a step of acquiring an image of the support in the infrared spectrum. This step can be carried out using an infrared image sensor, commonly called a “thermal camera”. It makes it possible to identify hot spots generated on or in the support by the local diffusion of the light beam by means of microstructures.
Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, les microstructures de chaque ensemble sont agencées de manière à former un réseau de Bragg dans la fibre optique. Autrement dit, non seulement les microstructures sont agencées de manière à diffuser le faisceau lumineux injecté dans la fibre optique, mais aussi de manière à le réfléchir. En pratique, le phénomène de réflexion est obtenu en agençant les microstructures de manière périodique le long de l'axe longitudinal de la fibre optique. Dans cette variante de réalisation, les microstructures sont formées dans le cœur de la fibre optique ou à l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine de la fibre optique. Selon une forme particulière de réalisation, conforme à la première variante, chaque microstructure présente une forme sphérique. Un réseau de Bragg se présente alors sous la forme d'un chapelet périodique de microbulles. Les microbulles présentent par exemple un diamètre compris entre l/10 et 10l, où l désigne la longueur d'onde du faisceau lumineux ou la longueur d'onde centrale du spectre du faisceau lumineux. According to a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the microstructures of each assembly are arranged so as to form a Bragg grating in the optical fiber. In other words, not only are the microstructures arranged so as to diffuse the light beam injected into the optical fiber, but also so as to reflect it. In practice, the reflection phenomenon is obtained by arranging the microstructures periodically along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. In this alternative embodiment, the microstructures are formed in the core of the optical fiber or at the interface between the core and the sheath of the optical fiber. According to a particular embodiment, in accordance with the first variant, each microstructure has a spherical shape. A Bragg grating is then presented in the form of a periodic chain of microbubbles. The microbubbles have for example a diameter between l / 10 and 10l, where l denotes the wavelength of the light beam or the central wavelength of the spectrum of the light beam.
Les microstructures peuvent se présenter sous d'autres formes, par exemple un ellipsoïde ou un ellipsoïde de révolution. Une forme non parfaitement sphérique peut notamment être utile afin de diffuser le faisceau lumineux de manière anisotrope. The microstructures can take other forms, for example an ellipsoid or an ellipsoid of revolution. A shape that is not perfectly spherical can in particular be useful in order to scatter the light beam anisotropically.
Les microstructures peuvent également se présenter sous forme de corrugations au niveau de l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine de la fibre optique. The microstructures can also be in the form of corrugations at the interface between the core and the sheath of the optical fiber.
Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation de l'invention, au moins un ensemble de motifs est inscrit dans la fibre optique, les motifs de chaque ensemble étant agencés pour former un réseau de Bragg, les microstructures étant distinctes des motifs du réseau de Bragg. Autrement dit, dans cette variante de réalisation, la fibre optique comprend, d'une part, des microstructures générant un phénomène de diffusion et, d'autre part, des motifs générant un phénomène de réflexion. According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one set of patterns is inscribed in the optical fiber, the patterns of each set being arranged to form a Bragg grating, the microstructures being distinct from the patterns of the Bragg grating. In other words, in this alternative embodiment, the optical fiber comprises, on the one hand, microstructures generating a diffusion phenomenon and, on the other hand, patterns generating a reflection phenomenon.
Selon une forme particulière de réalisation, chaque ensemble de microstructures est positionné au voisinage d'un réseau de Bragg. Ainsi, la diffusion d'une partie du faisceau lumineux se produit à proximité du réseau de Bragg, rendant visible sa position le long de la fibre optique. According to a particular embodiment, each set of microstructures is positioned in the vicinity of a Bragg grating. Thus, the scattering of part of the light beam occurs near the Bragg grating, making its position visible along the optical fiber.
Dans la deuxième variante de réalisation, les microstructures peuvent être disposées dans le cœur de la fibre optique, par exemple en amont et/ou en aval du réseau de Bragg. Alternativement, les microstructures peuvent être disposées dans la gaine de fibre optique. Elles peuvent notamment être disposées dans la gaine au voisinage de l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine optique. Elles peuvent être disposées en amont, en aval et/ou parallèlement au réseau de Bragg. La disposition de microstructures dans la gaine de fibre optique est appropriée lorsque les phénomènes de diffusion et de réflexion se produisent dans des plages de longueurs d'onde distinctes. Un faisceau lumineux présentant une plage de longueurs d'onde située en dehors de la plage de longueurs d'onde de guidage de la fibre optique peut alors se propager dans la gaine et être diffusé par les microstructures. La disposition des microstructures dans la gaine de la fibre optique présente l'avantage de ne pas impacter la propagation du faisceau lumineux dans la plage de longueurs d'onde utile du réseau de Bragg. In the second variant embodiment, the microstructures can be arranged in the core of the optical fiber, for example upstream and / or downstream of the Bragg grating. Alternatively, the microstructures can be arranged in the optical fiber sheath. They can in particular be arranged in the sheath in the vicinity of the interface between the core and the optical sheath. They can be arranged upstream, downstream and / or parallel to the Bragg network. The arrangement of microstructures in the optical fiber cladding is suitable when the diffusion and reflection phenomena occur in distinct wavelength ranges. A light beam having a wavelength range outside the guide wavelength range of the optical fiber can then propagate in the sheath and be scattered by the microstructures. The arrangement of the microstructures in the sheath of the optical fiber has the advantage of not impacting the propagation of the light beam in the useful wavelength range of the Bragg grating.
L'invention a également pour objet un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg comprenant une fibre optique dans laquelle est inscrit au moins un ensemble de motifs formant un réseau de Bragg. Selon l'invention, la fibre optique comporte, en outre, un ensemble de microstructures au voisinage de chaque réseau de Bragg, les microstructures étant distinctes des motifs formant le réseau de Bragg, chaque microstructure étant apte à diffuser une partie d'un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. The invention also relates to a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor comprising an optical fiber in which is inscribed at least one set of patterns forming a Bragg grating. According to the invention, the optical fiber further comprises a set of microstructures in the vicinity of each Bragg grating, the microstructures being distinct from the patterns forming the Bragg grating, each microstructure being capable of diffusing part of a light beam within a predetermined scattering wavelength range.
Selon une forme particulière de réalisation, la fibre optique comporte un cœur et une gaine optique et les microstructures sont disposées dans la gaine optique. Avantageusement, les microstructures sont disposées au voisinage du cœur, c'est-à-dire plus près de la surface périphérique interne de la gaine optique que de la surface périphérique extérieure de la gaine optique. According to a particular embodiment, the optical fiber comprises a core and an optical sheath and the microstructures are arranged in the optical sheath. Advantageously, the microstructures are arranged in the vicinity of the heart, that is to say closer to the internal peripheral surface of the optical sheath than to the external peripheral surface of the optical sheath.
Les microstructures pourraient également être disposées dans le cœur de la fibre optique ou à l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine optique. Les microstructures se présentent par exemple sous forme de sphères ou d'ellipsoïdes de révolution. Elles peuvent aussi se présenter sous forme de corrugations à l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine optique. The microstructures could also be placed in the core of the optical fiber or at the interface between the core and the optical sheath. The microstructures are for example in the form of spheres or ellipsoids of revolution. They can also be in the form of corrugations at the interface between the heart and the optical sheath.
Selon une première forme de réalisation du capteur selon l'invention, ou du procédé de localisation ou d'installation de ce capteur selon l'invention, chaque réseau de Bragg est agencé pour réfléchir un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de Bragg prédéterminée, distincte de la plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. En particulier, la plage de longueur d'onde de Bragg et la plage de longueur d'onde de diffusion peuvent se chevaucher en partie ou être disjointes. Ainsi, les phénomènes de diffusion et de réflexion se produisent dans des plages de longueurs d'onde différentes. Dans la première variante de réalisation, dans laquelle les microstructures de chaque ensemble forment un réseau de Bragg, cela implique en pratique que les microstructures présentent des dimensions distinctes de leur période, également appelée « pas ». Dans la deuxième variante de réalisation, dans laquelle les microstructures sont distinctes des motifs du réseau de Bragg, cela implique que les microstructures présentent des dimensions distinctes de la période des motifs du réseau de Bragg. According to a first embodiment of the sensor according to the invention, or of the method of locating or installing this sensor according to the invention, each Bragg grating is arranged to reflect a light beam in a wavelength range of Predetermined Bragg, distinct from the predetermined scattering wavelength range. In particular, the Bragg wavelength range and the scattering wavelength range may partially overlap or be disjoint. Thus, diffusion and reflection phenomena occur in different wavelength ranges. In the first alternative embodiment, in which the microstructures of each assembly form a Bragg grating, this implies in practice that the microstructures have dimensions which are distinct from their period, also called "steps". In the second alternative embodiment, in which the microstructures are distinct from the patterns of the Bragg grating, this implies that the microstructures have dimensions that are distinct from the period of the patterns of the Bragg grating.
Selon une deuxième forme de réalisation, chaque réseau de Bragg est agencé pour réfléchir un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de Bragg prédéterminée, comprise dans la plage de longueur d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. En particulier, les deux plages de longueurs d'onde peuvent être identiques. According to a second embodiment, each Bragg grating is arranged to reflect a light beam in a range of predetermined Bragg wavelengths, included in the range of predetermined scattering wavelength. In particular, the two wavelength ranges can be identical.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
D'autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l'invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés pour lesquels : - la figure 1 représente un premier exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention ; Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings for which: - Figure 1 shows a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention;
- la figure 2 représente un deuxième exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention ;  - Figure 2 shows a second example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention;
- la figure 3 représente un troisième exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention ;  - Figure 3 shows a third example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention;
- la figure 4 représente un exemple de procédé de localisation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention ;  - Figure 4 shows an example of a method of locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention;
- la figure 5 représente un exemple de procédé d'installation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention ;  - Figure 5 shows an example of a method of installing a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor according to the invention;
- la figure 6 illustre le procédé de la figure 5.  - Figure 6 illustrates the process of Figure 5.
EXPOSÉ DÉTAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PARTICULIERS DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
La figure 1 représente un premier exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention. Sur cette figure, seul un tronçon de la fibre optique est représenté. Le capteur à fibre optique 10 comporte une fibre optique 11 comprenant un cœur 111 et une gaine optique 112 entourant le cœur 111. Le cœur 111 et la gaine optique 112 s'étendent longitudinalement le long d'un axe X. Le capteur à fibre optique 10 comporte en outre un ensemble de microbulles 12 formées dans le cœur 111 de la fibre optique 11. Les microbulles 12 sont disposées sur l'axe longitudinal X de la fibre optique 11. Elles présentent un indice de réfraction différent de celui du cœur 111 de la fibre optique 11. Elles sont par exemple photo-inscrites par laser femtoseconde. Chaque microbulle 12 se présente sous forme d'une sphère dont le diamètre est compris entre 10 nm (nanomètres) et 1 mm (millimètre). Le diamètre peut notamment être compris entre 380 nm et 780 nm, afin de correspondre aux longueurs d'onde du spectre visible, ou entre 780 nm et 1 mm, afin de correspondre au spectre infrarouge. Il est par exemple de 400 nm. Les microbulles 12 assurent une première fonction de diffusion d'un faisceau lumineux acheminé par la fibre optique 11. Autrement dit, elles forment une structure diffusante. Le diamètre des sphères doit ainsi correspondre sensiblement à la longueur d'onde du faisceau lumineux pour laquelle est recherchée une diffusion. Cette longueur d'onde est appelée « longueur d'onde de diffusion ». Les microbulles 12 sont réparties de manière périodique le long de l'axe X avec un pas compris entre 10 nm et 1 mm. Le pas peut notamment être compris entre 380 nm et 780 nm ou entre 780 nm et 1 mm. Il est déterminé par la distance séparant les centres de deux microbulles 12 adjacentes. Dans ce premier exemple de réalisation, les microbulles 12 assurent une deuxième fonction de réflexion du faisceau lumineux acheminé par la fibre optique. Elles forment des motifs d'un réseau de Bragg. Le pas doit correspondre à la longueur d'onde pour laquelle une réflexion est recherchée. Cette longueur d'onde est appelée « longueur d'onde de Bragg ». Il est à noter que la longueur d'onde de Bragg peut différer de la longueur d'onde de diffusion. La fibre optique 11 peut comporter une pluralité d'ensembles de microbulles 12 réparties le long de la fibre optique 11 afin de former autant de réseaux de Bragg et de structures diffusantes. Les microbulles peuvent présenter des dimensions et/ou des pas qui diffèrent en fonction de l'ensemble auquel elles appartiennent. Ainsi, les phénomènes de diffusion et de réflexion apparaissent pour différentes longueurs d'onde. Avantageusement, les microbulles présentent des dimensions identiques dans les différents ensembles mais des pas différents entre les différents ensembles. Ainsi, les réseaux de Bragg peuvent être localisés à l'aide d'un faisceau lumineux présentant une unique longueur d'onde ou une plage de longueurs d'onde relativement étroite. En revanche, les réseaux de Bragg répondent aux contraintes mécaniques et aux changements de température à différentes longueurs d'onde et constituent ainsi des capteurs individuels. FIG. 1 represents a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor which can be used in the implementation of the localization or installation method according to the invention. In this figure, only a section of the optical fiber is shown. The optical fiber sensor 10 comprises an optical fiber 11 comprising a heart 111 and an optical sheath 112 surrounding the heart 111. The heart 111 and the optical sheath 112 extend longitudinally along an axis X. The optical fiber sensor 10 further comprises a set of microbubbles 12 formed in the heart 111 of the optical fiber 11. The microbubbles 12 are arranged on the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 11. They have a refractive index different from that of the heart 111 of optical fiber 11. They are for example photo-registered by femtosecond laser. Each microbubble 12 is in the form of a sphere whose diameter is between 10 nm (nanometers) and 1 mm (millimeter). The diameter can in particular be between 380 nm and 780 nm, in order to correspond to the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, or between 780 nm and 1 mm, in order to correspond to the infrared spectrum. It is for example 400 nm. The microbubbles 12 provide a first function of diffusion of a light beam conveyed by the optical fiber 11. In other words, they form a diffusing structure. The diameter of the spheres must therefore correspond substantially to the wavelength of the light beam for which diffusion is sought. This wavelength is called "diffusion wavelength". The microbubbles 12 are distributed periodically along the X axis with a pitch of between 10 nm and 1 mm. The pitch can in particular be between 380 nm and 780 nm or between 780 nm and 1 mm. It is determined by the distance separating the centers of two adjacent microbubbles 12. In this first exemplary embodiment, the microbubbles 12 provide a second function for reflecting the light beam conveyed by the optical fiber. They form patterns of a Bragg grating. The pitch must correspond to the wavelength for which a reflection is sought. This wavelength is called the "Bragg wavelength". It should be noted that the Bragg wavelength may differ from the scattering wavelength. The optical fiber 11 may comprise a plurality of sets of microbubbles 12 distributed along the optical fiber 11 in order to form as many Bragg gratings and diffusing structures. The microbubbles may have dimensions and / or steps which differ depending on the set to which they belong. Thus, the diffusion and reflection phenomena appear for different wavelengths. Advantageously, the microbubbles have identical dimensions in the different sets but different steps between the different sets. Thus, Bragg gratings can be located using a light beam having a single wavelength or a relatively narrow range of wavelengths. On the other hand, Bragg gratings respond to mechanical constraints and temperature changes at different wavelengths and thus constitute individual sensors.
La figure 2 représente un premier exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention et un deuxième exemple d'un tel capteur pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention. Comme pour la figure 1, seul un tronçon de la fibre optique est représenté. Le capteur à fibre optique 20 comporte une fibre optique 21 comprenant un cœur 211 et une gaine optique 212 entourant le cœur 211, le cœur 211 et la gaine optique 212 s'étendant longitudinalement et de manière concentrique le long d'un axe X. Le capteur à fibre optique 20 comporte en outre un ensemble de microbulles 22 et un ensemble de motifs 23 formés dans le cœur 211 de la fibre optique 21. Les microbulles 22 et les motifs 23 présentent un indice de réfraction différent de celui du cœur 211 de la fibre optique 21. Les microbulles 22 sont par exemple photo-inscrites par laser femtoseconde. Elles sont disposées sur l'axe longitudinal X de la fibre optique 21, de part et d'autre des motifs 23. Le diamètre des microbulles est déterminé en fonction de la longueur d'onde à laquelle est souhaité le phénomène de diffusion. Les motifs 23 présentant une forme cylindrique dont l'axe correspond à l'axe X de la fibre optique 21. Ils s'étendent radialement sur toute la section du cœur 211 de la fibre optique 21. Les motifs 23 sont répartis de manière périodique le long de l'axe X de la fibre optique 21. Ils forment ainsi un réseau de Bragg dont la longueur d'onde de Bragg dépend du pas séparant les motifs et de l'indice de réfraction du cœur 211. Il est à noter que tout autre motif pourrait être utilisé à la place des motifs cylindriques, dès lors qu'ils permettent la formation d'un réseau de Bragg. En particulier, des microbulles pourraient également être utilisées comme motifs pour le réseau de Bragg. Dans cet exemple de réalisation, les microbulles 22 sont disposées de part et d'autre du réseau de Bragg, c'est-à-dire en amont et en aval du réseau de Bragg. Elles n'indiquent pas directement la position du réseau de Bragg mais elles permettent sa localisation précise en l'encadrant. Dans d'autres exemples de réalisation, les microbulles pourraient être disposées uniquement d'un seul côté du réseau de Bragg. FIG. 2 represents a first example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention and a second example of such a sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention. As in Figure 1, only a section of the optical fiber is shown. The optical fiber sensor 20 comprises an optical fiber 21 comprising a heart 211 and an optical sheath 212 surrounding the heart 211, the heart 211 and the optical sheath 212 extending longitudinally and concentrically along an axis X. The sensor fiber optic 20 further comprises a set of microbubbles 22 and a set of patterns 23 formed in the core 211 of the optical fiber 21. The microbubbles 22 and the patterns 23 have a refractive index different from that of the core 211 of the fiber optics 21. The microbubbles 22 are for example photo-registered by femtosecond laser. They are arranged on the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 21, on either side of the patterns 23. The diameter of the microbubbles is determined as a function of the wavelength at which the diffusion phenomenon is desired. The patterns 23 having a cylindrical shape whose axis corresponds to the axis X of the optical fiber 21. They extend radially over the entire section of the core 211 of the optical fiber 21. The patterns 23 are distributed periodically over the along the X axis of the optical fiber 21. They thus form a Bragg grating whose Bragg wavelength depends on the pitch separating the patterns and on the refractive index of the heart 211. It should be noted that all another motif could be used in place of cylindrical motifs, since they allow the formation of a Bragg grating. In particular, microbubbles could also be used as patterns for the Bragg grating. In this exemplary embodiment, the microbubbles 22 are arranged on either side of the Bragg grating, that is to say upstream and downstream of the Bragg grating. They do not directly indicate the position of the Bragg grating but they allow its precise location by framing it. In other embodiments, the microbubbles could be arranged only on one side of the Bragg grating.
La figure 3 représente un deuxième exemple de capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention et un troisième exemple d'un tel capteur pouvant être utilisé dans la mise en œuvre du procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'invention. Comme pour les figures 1 et 2, seul un tronçon de la fibre optique est représenté. Le capteur à fibre optique 30 comporte une fibre optique 31 comprenant un cœur 311 et une gaine optique 312 entourant le cœur 311, le cœur 311 et la gaine optique 312 s'étendent longitudinalement et de manière concentrique le long d'un axe X. Le capteur à fibre optique 30 comporte en outre un ensemble de microbulles 32 formées dans la gaine optique 312 et un ensemble de motifs 33 formés dans le cœur 311. Les microbulles 32 et les motifs 33 présentent un indice de réfraction différent de celui du cœur 311. Les motifs 33 sont identiques aux motifs 23 du capteur à fibre optique 20 représenté sur la figure 2. Le capteur à fibre optique 30 se distingue du capteur à fibre optique 20 de la figure 2 en ce que les microbulles 32 sont disposées dans la gaine optique 312, au voisinage des motifs 33 du réseau de Bragg. Les microbulles 32 peuvent être disposées dans un unique plan passant par l'axe longitudinal X de la fibre optique 31 ou dans plusieurs plans passant par l'axe X. Afin de maximiser le phénomène de diffusion, les microbulles 32 sont de préférence positionnées au voisinage de l'interface entre le cœur 311 et la gaine optique 312. FIG. 3 represents a second example of a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention and a third example of such a sensor that can be used in the implementation of the location or installation method according to the invention. As in Figures 1 and 2, only a section of the optical fiber is shown. The optical fiber sensor 30 comprises an optical fiber 31 comprising a heart 311 and an optical sheath 312 surrounding the heart 311, the heart 311 and the sheath optics 312 extend longitudinally and concentrically along an X axis. The optical fiber sensor 30 further comprises a set of microbubbles 32 formed in the optical sheath 312 and a set of patterns 33 formed in the heart 311. The microbubbles 32 and the patterns 33 have a refractive index different from that of the core 311. The patterns 33 are identical to the patterns 23 of the optical fiber sensor 20 shown in FIG. 2. The optical fiber sensor 30 differs from the optical fiber 20 of FIG. 2 in that the microbubbles 32 are arranged in the optical sheath 312, in the vicinity of the patterns 33 of the Bragg grating. The microbubbles 32 can be arranged in a single plane passing through the longitudinal axis X of the optical fiber 31 or in several planes passing through the axis X. In order to maximize the diffusion phenomenon, the microbubbles 32 are preferably positioned in the vicinity of the interface between the core 311 and the optical sheath 312.
Dans les différents exemples de capteurs à fibre optique décrits en référence aux figures 1 à 3, la structure diffusante est toujours réalisée par des microbulles. Néanmoins, tout autre type de microstructure apte à diffuser un faisceau lumineux au moins partiellement guidé dans la fibre optique pourrait être utilisé. En particulier, les microstructures pourraient présenter une forme d'ellipsoïde. Par ailleurs, la fibre optique pourrait comporter un revêtement protecteur enveloppant la gaine optique. Ce revêtement protecteur peut potentiellement laisser passer en partie le faisceau lumineux diffusé. In the various examples of optical fiber sensors described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the diffusing structure is always produced by microbubbles. However, any other type of microstructure capable of diffusing a light beam at least partially guided in the optical fiber could be used. In particular, the microstructures could have an ellipsoid shape. Furthermore, the optical fiber could include a protective coating enveloping the optical sheath. This protective coating can potentially partially pass the scattered light beam.
La figure 4 représente un exemple d'étapes d'un procédé de localisation d'un capteur à fibres optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention. Dans cet exemple, on considère que le capteur à fibre optique est inséré au sein d'une structure ou monté sur une surface de cette structure. Le capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg peut notamment être l'un des capteurs décrits ci-dessus. Le procédé de localisation 40 comprend une étape 41 d'injection d'un faisceau lumineux dans la fibre optique du capteur à fibre optique. Le faisceau lumineux présente un spectre déterminé en fonction d'une plage de longueurs d'onde d'absorption du matériau de la structure. Autrement dit, le spectre est déterminé de manière à ce que la diffusion locale du faisceau lumineux entraîne un échauffement de la structure. La puissance du faisceau lumineux est par ailleurs déterminée de manière à entraîner une variation de température locale suffisante pour la structure. Dans une étape 42, une image infrarouge de la structure est acquise. Autrement dit, une acquisition d'image de la structure est réalisée dans le spectre infrarouge. Cette étape 42 peut être réalisée en parallèle de l'étape 41, par exemple après une durée prédéterminée, permettant un échauffement local de la structure, ou après l'étape 41. Dans une étape 43, l'image infrarouge est convertie dans le spectre visible pour permettre à un opérateur de localiser sur l'image les points chauds indiquant la présence d'une structure diffusante et donc d'un réseau de Bragg. FIG. 4 represents an example of steps of a method for locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention. In this example, it is considered that the optical fiber sensor is inserted within a structure or mounted on a surface of this structure. The Bragg grating fiber optic sensor can in particular be one of the sensors described above. The location method 40 includes a step 41 of injecting a light beam into the optical fiber of the optical fiber sensor. The light beam has a spectrum determined as a function of a range of absorption wavelengths of the material of the structure. In other words, the spectrum is determined so that the local scattering of the light beam causes the structure to heat up. The power of the light beam is also determined so as to cause a local temperature variation sufficient for the structure. In a step 42, an infrared image of the structure is acquired. In other words, an image acquisition of the structure is carried out in the infrared spectrum. This step 42 can be carried out in parallel with step 41, for example after a predetermined duration, allowing local heating of the structure, or after step 41. In a step 43, the infrared image is converted into the spectrum visible to allow an operator to locate hot spots on the image indicating the presence of a diffusing structure and therefore of a Bragg grating.
Il est à noter que, lorsque le capteur à fibre optique n'est pas inséré au sein d'une structure mais simplement disposé à la surface d'une structure, le faisceau lumineux peut présenter un spectre s'étalant au moins en partie dans le domaine infrarouge. Ainsi, le faisceau lumineux diffusé peut être directement détecté par le capteur infrarouge sans nécessiter un échauffement de la structure. It should be noted that, when the fiber optic sensor is not inserted within a structure but simply placed on the surface of a structure, the light beam may have a spectrum spreading at least partly in the infrared domain. Thus, the scattered light beam can be directly detected by the infrared sensor without requiring the structure to heat up.
La figure 5 représente un exemple d'étapes d'un procédé d'installation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon l'invention. Le capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg peut notamment être l'un des capteurs décrits ci-dessus. Le procédé d'installation 50 comprend une étape 51 d'injection d'un faisceau lumineux dans la fibre optique du capteur, une étape 52 de projection d'une cible lumineuse sur un support, une étape 53 de positionnement des réseaux de Bragg et une étape 54 de fixation du capteur à fibre optique. Le faisceau lumineux injecté dans la fibre optique comporte de préférence une plage de longueurs d'onde dans le spectre visible. La partie diffusée de ce faisceau lumineux peut ainsi être observée directement par un opérateur. La cible lumineuse comporte un ensemble de points lumineux définissant chacun un emplacement sur le support prévu pour accueillir un réseau de Bragg. L'étape 53 de positionnement des réseaux de Bragg consiste à faire coïncider chaque tronçon de fibre optique diffusant le faisceau lumineux avec un point lumineux de la cible. L'étape 54 de fixation du capteur à fibre optique consiste à fixer le capteur à fibre optique sur le support de manière à maintenir les réseaux de Bragg sur les emplacements souhaités. Le capteur à fibre optique peut notamment être collé sur le support ou enrobé dans le support par dépôt d'une couche de matériau. De préférence, l'étape 52 de projection de la cible lumineuse est réalisée en parallèle de l'étape 51 d'injection du faisceau lumineux et de l'étape 53 de positionnement des réseaux de Bragg. L'étape 52 peut en outre être poursuivi pendant et après l'étape 54 de fixation du capteur. FIG. 5 represents an example of steps of a method of installing a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor according to the invention. The Bragg grating fiber optic sensor can in particular be one of the sensors described above. The installation method 50 comprises a step 51 of injecting a light beam into the optical fiber of the sensor, a step 52 of projecting a light target onto a support, a step 53 of positioning the Bragg gratings and a step 54 of fixing the fiber optic sensor. The light beam injected into the optical fiber preferably comprises a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The scattered part of this light beam can thus be observed directly by an operator. The light target comprises a set of light points each defining a location on the support intended to accommodate a Bragg grating. Step 53 of positioning the Bragg gratings consists in making each section of optical fiber diffusing the light beam coincide with a light point on the target. Stage 54 of fixing the fiber optic sensor consists in fixing the fiber optic sensor on the support so as to maintain the Bragg gratings on the desired locations. The optical fiber sensor can in particular be bonded to the support or coated in the support by depositing a layer of material. Preferably, the step 52 of projection of the light target is carried out in parallel with the step 51 of injection of the light beam and of the step 53 of positioning of the Bragg gratings. Step 52 can also be continued during and after step 54 of fixing the sensor.
La figure 6 illustre le procédé d'installation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur un support selon l'invention. Le capteur à fibre optique 60 comporte une fibre optique 61 dans laquelle sont intégrés douze réseaux de Bragg identifiables individuellement par des structures diffusantes 62. Un faisceau lumineux est injecté dans la fibre optique 61 et se trouve en partie diffusé par chaque structure diffusante 62. Une cible lumineuse est projetée sur un support 64 afin de former douze points lumineux 65 indiquant un emplacement souhaité pour un réseau de Bragg. La fibre optique 61 est positionnée de manière à s'étendre en serpentant sur un support 64 en faisant correspondre les structures diffusantes 62 avec les points lumineux 65. FIG. 6 illustrates the method of installing a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a support according to the invention. The optical fiber sensor 60 comprises an optical fiber 61 in which are integrated twelve Bragg gratings individually identifiable by diffusing structures 62. A light beam is injected into the optical fiber 61 and is partly scattered by each diffusing structure 62. A light target is projected onto a support 64 in order to form twelve light points 65 indicating a desired location for a Bragg grating. The optical fiber 61 is positioned so as to extend by snaking on a support 64 by making the diffusing structures 62 correspond with the light points 65.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de localisation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur un support, le capteur (10, 20, 30) comprenant une fibre optique (11, 21, 31) dans laquelle est inscrit au moins un ensemble de microstructures (12, 22, 32), chaque microstructure étant apte à diffuser une partie d'un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée, le procédé (40) comprenant une étape (41) d'injection, dans la fibre optique, d'un faisceau lumineux dont le spectre comporte ladite plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée de manière à ce que chaque microstructure (12, 22, 32) diffuse une partie du faisceau lumineux, les microstructures (12, 22, 32) et le spectre du faisceau lumineux étant déterminés en fonction d'une plage de longueurs d'onde d'absorption du matériau du support (64). 1. Method for locating a Bragg grating optical fiber sensor on a support, the sensor (10, 20, 30) comprising an optical fiber (11, 21, 31) in which is registered at least one set of microstructures (12, 22, 32), each microstructure being capable of diffusing part of a light beam in a range of predetermined scattering wavelengths, the method (40) comprising a step (41) of injection, into the optical fiber, of a light beam whose spectrum includes said predetermined range of wavelengths of diffusion so that each microstructure (12, 22, 32) diffuses part of the light beam, the microstructures (12, 22, 32) and the spectrum of the light beam being determined as a function of a range of absorption wavelengths of the support material (64).
2. Procédé d'installation d'un capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg sur un support, le procédé (50) comprenant la localisation du capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg selon la revendication 1 et une étape (53) de positionnement de la fibre optique (11, 21, 31) sur le support (64) en fonction de la partie diffusée du faisceau lumineux. 2. Method for installing a Bragg grating fiber optic sensor on a support, the method (50) comprising locating the Bragg grating fiber optic sensor according to claim 1 and a positioning step (53) optical fiber (11, 21, 31) on the support (64) as a function of the scattered part of the light beam.
3. Procédé d'installation selon la revendication 2, comportant en outre une étape (52) de projection d'une cible lumineuse sur le support, la cible lumineuse (65) indiquant chaque emplacement où un réseau de Bragg doit être positionné sur le support (64). 3. Installation method according to claim 2, further comprising a step (52) of projecting a light target onto the support, the light target (65) indicating each location where a Bragg grating is to be positioned on the support. (64).
4. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les microstructures (12, 22, 32) et le spectre du faisceau lumineux sont déterminés de sorte que les microstructures diffusent le faisceau lumineux dans une partie du spectre visible. 4. Localization or installation method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the microstructures (12, 22, 32) and the spectrum of the light beam are determined so that the microstructures scatter the light beam in part of the spectrum visible.
5. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes comprenant, en outre, une étape (42) d'acquisition d'une image du support dans le spectre infrarouge. 5. Localization or installation method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a step (42) of acquiring an image of the support in the infrared spectrum.
6. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les microstructures (12, 22, 32) de chaque ensemble sont agencées de manière à former un réseau de Bragg dans la fibre optique (11, 21, 31). 6. A localization or installation method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the microstructures (12, 22, 32) of each assembly are arranged so as to form a Bragg grating in the optical fiber (11, 21, 31).
7. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon la revendication 6, dans lequel chaque microstructure (12, 22, 32) présente une forme sphérique ou ellipsoïde. 7. A localization or installation method according to claim 6, in which each microstructure (12, 22, 32) has a spherical or ellipsoid shape.
8. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel au moins un ensemble de motifs (23, 33) est inscrit dans la fibre optique (21, 31), les motifs de chaque ensemble étant agencés pour former un réseau de Bragg, les microstructures (22, 32) étant distinctes des motifs (23, 33) du réseau de Bragg. 8. Localization or installation method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which at least one set of patterns (23, 33) is inscribed in the optical fiber (21, 31), the patterns of each set being arranged to form a Bragg grating, the microstructures (22, 32) being distinct from the patterns (23, 33) of the Bragg grating.
9. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon la revendication 8, dans lequel chaque ensemble de microstructures (22, 32) est positionné au voisinage d'un réseau de Bragg. 9. A localization or installation method according to claim 8, in which each set of microstructures (22, 32) is positioned in the vicinity of a Bragg grating.
10. Capteur à fibre optique à réseau de Bragg comprenant une fibre optique dans laquelle est inscrit au moins un ensemble de motifs (23, 33) formant un réseau de Bragg, la fibre optique (21, 31) comportant, en outre, un cœur (211, 311), une gaine optique (212, 312) et un ensemble de microstructures (22, 32) au voisinage de chaque réseau de Bragg, les microstructures étant distinctes des motifs formant le réseau de Bragg et étant disposées dans le cœur (211), dans la gaine optique (312) ou à l'interface entre le cœur et la gaine optique, chaque microstructure (22, 32) étant apte à diffuser une partie d'un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. 10. Bragg grating optical fiber sensor comprising an optical fiber in which is inscribed at least one set of patterns (23, 33) forming a Bragg grating, the optical fiber (21, 31) further comprising a core (211, 311), an optical sheath (212, 312) and a set of microstructures (22, 32) in the vicinity of each Bragg grating, the microstructures being distinct from the patterns forming the Bragg grating and being arranged in the heart ( 211), in the optical sheath (312) or at the interface between the core and the optical sheath, each microstructure (22, 32) being able to scatter part of a light beam in a wavelength range of predetermined distribution.
11. Procédé de localisation ou d'installation selon l'une des revendications 6 à11. Localization or installation method according to one of claims 6 to
9 ou capteur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel chaque réseau de Bragg est agencé pour réfléchir un faisceau lumineux dans une plage de longueurs d'onde de Bragg prédéterminée, distincte de la plage de longueurs d'onde de diffusion prédéterminée. 9 or sensor according to claim 10, wherein each Bragg grating is arranged to reflect a light beam in a range of predetermined Bragg wavelengths, distinct from the range of predetermined scattering wavelengths.
EP19742870.9A 2018-06-21 2019-06-19 Bragg grating optical fibre sensor associated with a scattering structure and methods for locating and installing such a sensor Pending EP3811130A1 (en)

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FR1855475A FR3082954B1 (en) 2018-06-21 2018-06-21 BRAGG NETWORK FIBER OPTIC SENSOR ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFUSING STRUCTURE AND METHODS FOR LOCATING AND INSTALLING SUCH A SENSOR
PCT/FR2019/051504 WO2019243745A1 (en) 2018-06-21 2019-06-19 Bragg grating optical fibre sensor associated with a scattering structure and methods for locating and installing such a sensor

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