Fiber shape sensing systems and methods

摘要

In certain variations, fiber shape sensing or measuring systems, devices and methods are described herein, which allow for measurement of three dimensional bending as well as twist measurements of various fibers, e.g., optical fibers and fiber optic probes of various sizes. In certain variations, the systems are designed to take advantage of unique light guiding properties of optical fibers and various fiber gratings.

主权项

1. A shape measuring system comprising:
a large core optical fiber wherein a fiber grating is written onto said optical fiber; and a spectral read out system configured to measure a property of a reflection of light from the fiber grating, wherein the optical fiber includes a fiber core and a fiber cladding, and wherein a separation between outer opposite edges of the diameter of the fiber core is configured such that when the optical fiber is bent, a strain difference exists between the outer opposite edges across the fiber core, and wherein the strain difference in the optical fiber is used to determine bend and/or twisting measurements of the optical fiber.