Enhancing distributed fiber sensing using novel nanocomposite-coated optical fibers

The paper describes the fabrication of two nanocomposite (NC) coated optical fibers, and their use to enhance the capabilities of distributed fiber sensing. The fibers are produced in a conventional optical fiber draw tower. NC coated fibers with reduced graphene oxide were shown to have enhanced mechanical durability at elevated temperatures and have a low humidity sensitivity compared to standard polyimide coated fibers. NC coated fibers with hydrogen-sensitive materials were shown to enable distributed hydrogen leak detection, in a configuration that is scalable to long lengths.