Long-range hybrid network with point and distributed Brillouin sensors using Raman amplification

We propose a novel concept for hybrid networks that combine point and distributed Brillouin sensors in a cost-effective architecture that also deploys remote distributed Raman amplification to extend the sensing range. A 46-km proof-of-concept network is experimentally demonstrated integrating point vibration sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings and tapers with distributed temperature sensing along the network bus. In this network the use of Raman amplification to compensate branching and fiber losses provides a temperature resolution of 0.7 degrees C and 13 m. Moreover, it was possible to obtain good optical signal to noise ratio in the measurements from the four point vibration sensors that were remotely multiplexed in the network. These low-cost intensity sensors are able to measure vibrations in the 0.1 to 50 Hz frequency range, which are important in the monitoring of large infrastructures such as pipelines. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America