Shock-wave measurements with fiber Bragg gratings

Fiber Bragg Gratings may serve as diagnostic tools for shock waves, their response following the extreme and rapid pressure gradients. In accordance with basic theory, the relative orientation between the FBG and the shock front has a dramatic effect on the FBG response, even changing from a reduction to an increase of Bragg wavelengths. In order to match the shock-wave dimensions, short (~1mm) FBGs are used.