Deployment Condition Visualization of Aerial Optical Fiber Cable By Distributed Vibration Sensing Based On Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry

Distributed vibration sensing (DVS) utilizes an optical fiber as an array of virtual strain sensors. It can reveal dynamic strain distributions such as seismic events and car traffic, thus giving a new function to existing optical communication fibers. In this work, we use optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to investigate the dynamic strain distribution along an optical fiber implemented in a deployed aerial optical fiber cable that vibrates with the wind. The OFDR setup is customized for distant location interrogation with a high repetition rate of the probe light and overcomes the OFDR drawbacks of short measurement range and low repetition rate, thus enabling application to the investigation of dynamic strain along a range of telecommunications outside a plant. Sub-1-m spatial resolution measurements revealed that dynamic strain along the optical fiber in an aerial cable depends on the deployment condition. It also provides the deployed optical telecommunication fiber with a function for visualizing the deployment conditions of the telecommunications outside plants.

Automated summary

Distributed vibration sensing using optical fibers as strain sensors provides a new function for existing optical communication networks. The customized setup of optical frequency domain reflectometry enables the investigation of dynamic strain distribution along fibers deployed in varied conditions, with sub-1-m spatial resolution revealing the impact of deployment conditions on dynamic strain.