Fiber optic shape sensing: making the invisible tangible in critical applications.
Fiber optic shape sensing as turn-key solution.
Combining issues such as reduced exposure to radiations while still being able to “see” through the body may at first seem quite challenging. This was the reason why fiber optic shape sensing was developed. It presents the advantage of being able to track itself thus recreating the shape inside the body.
Our fiber optic shape sensing system comprises a sensor, a measurement device and the software that manages all the algorithms for data readout and processing. The key constituent for this type of sensing is based on simultaneous and real-time monitoring of the induced strain in a multi-core optical fiber with included draw tower grating sensors (MCF-DTG®) while compensating for common mode effects such as temperature changes. Depending on the curvature orientation of the MCF, some of the DTG®s on the outer cores will experience a relative tension or compression with respect to the central core and therefore, will register positive- or negative-induced strain changes, respectively. To calculate the local curvature (or bending radius), the relative strains are measured and processed. To determine the curvature profile of an MCF, the gathered data is given as a function of the DTG® positions along the optical fiber and is processed with special reconstruction algorithms.
System features
∙ Turn-key shape sensing system (full system with individual building blocks tailored to application’s needs)
∙ Easy integration in existing systems (Small dimensions of the optical fiber (down to 0.2mm thickness), measurement device available on “integrable bracket design”)
∙ High bending detection range (bending radius 10m>R>1mm)
∙ High strain resistivity suited for challenging applications
∙ Solution tailored to customers’ needs / requirements
∙ Immune to electromagnetic radiation, passive components
∙ Miniaturized & biocompatible
∙ High resolution and accurate 3D shape sensing (Tip position error <2mm @ 30cm lengths)
∙ High density of sensors in a single fiber
∙ Real-time & dynamic sensing