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Development of a non-monochromatic lightwave sensor for applications in smart structures research
Author(s)
Kahn, Mohammed Tariq Ekeramodien
Date Issued
1998
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Peninsula Technikon
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to perform an investigation into advances in the field of
opto-electronics and to develop a suitable lightwave sensor, for application in smart
structures research. Included in the scope of this research was the theoretical
development and analysis of an appropriate technology to lead to an implementation
of such sensors. This project forms part of an overall plan to gain experience in optoelectronic
(photonic) sensor design.
In research done previously in smart structure monitoring, piezo-electric techniques
with the usual electrical interconnections was used. In a highly distributed sensor
system the problems of electromagnetic interference, the tribo-electric effect and
noise could be problematic. In this research, opto electronic techniques were
thoroughly researched and an improvement on laser based fibre-optic interferometers
was made. A non monochromatic lightwave interferometer was developed from
theory and a prototype tested. The results suggests that an interferometric sensor can
be operated with a non monochromatic source by using a second interferometer to
modulate the frequency spectrum of the light before it is detected by a photodetector.
Various test and measurement circuits for improved photodetector performance were
evaluated, as well as a study of signal processing techniques that would be of use for
an upgrade of the project where specific feature detection and analysis using the
sensor is envisaged. A specification for a computer based data acquisition system
was developed to do initial tests. The project should continue, with the sensor head
being improved and all the necessary signal processing routines programmed into a
Labview based data acquisition system.
opto-electronics and to develop a suitable lightwave sensor, for application in smart
structures research. Included in the scope of this research was the theoretical
development and analysis of an appropriate technology to lead to an implementation
of such sensors. This project forms part of an overall plan to gain experience in optoelectronic
(photonic) sensor design.
In research done previously in smart structure monitoring, piezo-electric techniques
with the usual electrical interconnections was used. In a highly distributed sensor
system the problems of electromagnetic interference, the tribo-electric effect and
noise could be problematic. In this research, opto electronic techniques were
thoroughly researched and an improvement on laser based fibre-optic interferometers
was made. A non monochromatic lightwave interferometer was developed from
theory and a prototype tested. The results suggests that an interferometric sensor can
be operated with a non monochromatic source by using a second interferometer to
modulate the frequency spectrum of the light before it is detected by a photodetector.
Various test and measurement circuits for improved photodetector performance were
evaluated, as well as a study of signal processing techniques that would be of use for
an upgrade of the project where specific feature detection and analysis using the
sensor is envisaged. A specification for a computer based data acquisition system
was developed to do initial tests. The project should continue, with the sensor head
being improved and all the necessary signal processing routines programmed into a
Labview based data acquisition system.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 1998
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