Fiber-optic shape sensing for motion compensation in vibration-prone optical measurements

The accuracy of optical measurements is often compromised by relative motion between devices and targets in dynamic environments. This work proposes a novel correction approach using fiber-optic shape sensing to measure and compensate such motion. For an initial proof-of-principle experiment of the concept, an interferometric absolute distance sensor is mounted on a cantilever-shaped holder equipped with fiber-optic sensors based on the fiber segment interferometry principle. By monitoring the cantilever’s deformation and angular variations, vibration-induced movement of the optical beam can be tracked and corrected continuously with correction accuracy in the micrometer range. This method is generally applicable in vibration-prone environments to enhance measurement precision and stability, but is specifically intended to be used in mobile and drone-based systems using flexible fiber contact probes to directly determine relative motion between objects.