A new way to monitor using fibreoptics

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to look at fibreoptic sensing techniques and applications. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides information on fibreoptic sensing technologies, instrumentation, advantages and applications. Findings - Fibreoptic sensing, especially fibreoptic Bragg gratings, provide a highly effective means of monitoring internal changes in structural and other components that were previously impossible or very difficult to detect. Such systems are now approaching full commercialisation. Originality/value - The paper provides a useful overview of how fibreoptic sensors work, and the advantages they provide when used in instrumentation applications ranging from compact devices to large and complex structures, where they may be structurally integrated.