High-strength fiber Bragg gratings for a temperature-sensing array

We have successfully demonstrated a one-step laser process of fabricating fiber Bragg grating arrays directly through fiber buffer. A new polysiloxane-based buffer provides high 244-nm transmission and showed no degradation due to UV irradiation or thermal annealing as verified by Weibull analysis of tension tests. The FBG array can withstand over 400-kpsi tension tests and 220/spl deg/C temperature. The spectral quality of the FBG is compatible with the FBGs currently used by the sensing industry and, therefore, can be interrogated with existing instruments. The laser fabrication process is robust with no coating, stripping, or recoating required.