Simultaneous distributed strain and temperature sensing based on combined Raman-Brillouin scattering using Fabry-Perot lasers

An investigation is performed of the possibility of achieving simultaneous distributed strain and temperature sensing based on hybrid Raman-Brillouin scattering with the use of multi-wavelength optical sources such as common Fabry-Perot (FP) lasers. By employing a self-heterodyne detection scheme based on a multi-wavelength optical local oscillator, the benefits of FP lasers are fully exploited, allowing for high-power Raman intensity measurements and a simultaneous high-accuracy detection of the Brillouin frequency shift parameter for each FP longitudinal mode. Experimental results point out a significant reduction of coherent Rayleigh noise, and highlight the enhanced performance in hybrid Raman-Brillouin sensing when using FP lasers; in particular using standard FP lasers at 1550 nm results in about 12 dB (7 dB) temperature (strain) accuracy improvement at 25 km sensing distance with respect to the use of standard distributed feedback lasers. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.