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Composite materials are increasingly used in the aviation industry for various aircraft components due to their lightweight and mechanical performances. However, these materials are susceptible to degradation due to environmental factors such as hot–wet environments and freeze–thaw cycles, which can compromise their performance and safety over time. This study develops an innovative Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor system capable of not only measuring but also decoupling the simultaneous effects of temperature, humidity and strain. Unlike existing FBG systems, our approach integrates a novel theoretical framework and sensor configuration that accurately isolates these parameters in an epoxy resin material. The system incorporates three FBG sensors: one for temperature, one for temperature and humidity and a third one for all three factors. A theoretical framework based on linear strain superposition and constitutive laws was developed to isolate the individual contributions of each factor. Experimental validation in controlled hygrothermal conditions demonstrated the system's ability to accurately detect and decouple these effects, enabling the monitoring of moisture absorption and composite degradation over time. The proposed system provides a reliable, lightweight and efficient solution for the long-term monitoring of composite structures in extreme conditions. Additionally, it enhances predictive maintenance by improving the accuracy of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMSs) and provides a method to correct data inconsistencies in already installed sensors, further extending their operational value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep neural networks have been widely applied to fiber optic sensor systems, where the detection of external intrusion in metro tunnels is a major challenge; thus, how to achieve the optimal balance between resource consumption and accuracy is a critical issue. To address this issue, we propose a lightweight deep learning model, the Temporal Efficient Residual Network (TEResNet), for the detection of anomalous intrusion. In contrast to the majority of two-dimensional convolutional approaches, which require a deep architecture to encompass both low- and high-frequency domains, our methodology employs temporal convolutions and a compact residual network architecture. This allows the model to incorporate lower-level features into the higher-level feature formation in subsequent layers, leveraging informative features from the lower layers, and thus reducing the number of stacked layers for generating high-level features. As a result, the model achieves a superior performance with a relatively small number of layers. Moreover, the two-dimensional feature map is reduced in size to reduce the computational burden without adding parameters. This is crucial for enabling rapid intrusion detection. Experiments were conducted in the construction environment of the Guangzhou Metro, resulting in the creation of a dataset containing 6948 signal segments, which is publicly accessible. The results demonstrate that TEResNet outperforms the existing intrusion detection methods and advanced deep learning networks, achieving an accuracy of 97.12% and an F1 score of 96.15%. With only 48,009 learnable parameters, it provides an efficient and reliable solution for intrusion detection in metro tunnels, aligning with the growing demand for lightweight and robust information processing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their inherent advantages, optical fiber sensors (OFSs) can substantially contribute to the monitoring and performance enhancement of energy infrastructure. However, optical fiber sensor systems often are standalone solutions and do not connect to the main energy infrastructure control systems. In this paper, we propose a solution for the digitalization of an optical fiber sensor system realized by the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol and the Internet of Things (IoT) platform Insights Hub. The optical fiber sensor system is based on bidirectional incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (biOFDR) and is used for the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) arrays. To allow for an automated sensor identification and thus measurement procedure, an optical sensor identification marker based on a unique combination of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is established. To demonstrate the abilities of the digitalized sensor network, a field test was performed in a power plant test facility of Siemens Energy. Temperature measurements of a packaged FBG sensor fiber were performed with a portable demonstrator, illustrating the system's robustness and the comprehensive data processing stream from sensor value formation to the cloud. The realized network services promote sensor data quality, fusion, and modeling, expanding opportunities using digital twin technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of vibration signals in a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) system, a principal component analysis variable step-size normalized least mean square (PCA-VSS-NLMS) denoising method was proposed in this study. First, the mathematical principle of the PCA-VSS-NLMS algorithm was constructed. This algorithm can adjust the input signal to achieve the best filter effect. Second, the effectiveness of the algorithm was verified via simulation, and the simulation results show that compared with the wavelet denoising (WD), Wiener filtering, variational mode decomposition (VMD), and variable step-size normalized least mean square (VSS-NLMS) algorithms, the PCA-VSS-NLMS algorithm can improve the SNR to 30.68 dB when the initial SNR is −1.23 dB. Finally, the PCA-VSS-NLMS algorithm was embedded into the built Φ-OTDR system, an 11.22 km fiber was measured, and PZT was added at 10.19–10.24 km to impose multiple sets of fixed-frequency disturbances. The experimental results show that the SNR of the vibration signal is 8.77 dB at 100 Hz and 0.07 s, and the SNR is improved to 26.17 dB after PCA-VSS-NLMS filtering; thus, the SNR is improved by 17.40 dB. This method can improve the SNR of the system's position information without the need to change the existing hardware conditions, and it provides a new scheme for the detection and recognition of long-distance vibration signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of information and communication technology has driven the demand for higher data transmission rates. Multi-core optical fiber, with its ability to transmit multiple signals simultaneously, has emerged as a promising solution to meet this demand. Additionally, due to its characteristics such as multi-channel transmission, high integration, spatial flexibility, and versatility, multi-core optical fibers hold vast potential in sensing applications. However, the manufacturing technology of multi-core fiber is still in its early stages, facing challenges such as the design and fabrication of high-quality cores, efficient coupling between cores, and the reduction of crosstalk. In this paper, an overview of the current status and future prospects of multi-core fiber manufacturing technology has been presented, and their limitations will be discussed. Some potential solutions to overcome these challenges will be proposed. Their potential applications in optical fiber sensing will also be summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of sustainability, the development of optical fiber sensing technology and 3D printing technology brings new sustainable manufacturing solutions for the furniture industry. Based on the current status and development situation of the application of optical fiber sensing technology and 3D-printed furniture, this paper proposes the concept of applying embedded optical fiber sensing technology to traditional furniture manufacturing as the intersection of traditional furniture design and 3D printing technology. This design method is applied in furniture design cases, the stability of the 3D-printed structure after the optical fiber is embedded in the structure is verified through experiments, and the integration of the embedded optical fiber light-inducing and monitoring technology is used to assess the intelligence of furniture. It is found that by applying optical fiber sensors to furniture intelligence, the real-time monitoring of the environment, temperature, humidity, and other parameters during the use of furniture can be achieved, thus improving the energy efficiency and comfort of furniture. This innovative design idea and method provides a new direction for the sustainable development of furniture products and encourages the furniture industry to move forward in a more environmentally friendly and intelligent direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discussed the application of optical fibers in addressing the problem of insufficient light harvesting and sensing health monitoring in ancient buildings. Based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to fix the light-harvesting lens and conducting optical fiber, develop the replacement parts that can be buried into the optical fiber of ancient buildings. By introducing the experimental application to improve the experimental quality of research and teaching. Firstly, it highlights the advantage that the optical fiber plus lens structure design can make the natural light introduced for a long time; secondly, it points out that the buried optical fiber structure design does not affect the warmth and sound insulation of the building; finally, the health monitoring of the building is realized through the proposed method of buried optical fiber sensing. The design scheme adopts a fiber optic light transmission and sensing system, which can realize the whole system's corrosion resistance, after laying buried and low-cost operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finite element method (FEM) was used to investigate the optical–mechanical behavior of a Fabry–Perot Interferometer (FPI) composed of a capillary segment spliced between two sections of standard optical fiber. The developed FEM model was validated by comparing it with theory and with previously published experimental data. The model was then used to show that the absolute strain on the host substrate is usually smaller than the strain measurement obtained with the sensor. Finally, the FEM model was used to propose a cavity geometry that can be produced with repeatability and that yields the correct absolute strain experienced by the host substrate, without requiring previous strain calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an innovative phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (φ-OTDR) technology based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM) pulse modulation sequences. The proposed approach addresses the inherent trade-offs among spatial resolution, frequency response range, and sensing distance that conventional φ-OTDR systems encounter. This method optimizes spatial resolution and sensing distance by modulating both the frequency and phase of optical pulses. Moreover, it enhances sidelobe suppression by adjusting the nonlinearity of frequency modulation, reducing interference between adjacent signals, and improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Additionally, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing expands the frequency response range. This paper elucidates the fundamental principles and implementation of OFDM-NLFM time-domain pulse modulation techniques and designs, experimentally validates a φ-OTDR system based on this method, and conducts comprehensive testing and analysis of the system's performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed φ-OTDR system achieves an 11 m spatial resolution and a frequency response range of 1–10 kHz over a 16.3 km optical fiber, utilizing a 65 MHz frequency bandwidth with multiplexed signals across four frequencies. This innovative approach reduces hardware resource consumption, opening up promising prospects for various practical engineering applications in optical fiber sensing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foundation of intelligent collaborative control of a shearer, scraper conveyor, and hydraulic support (three-machines) is to achieve the precise perception of the status of the three-machines and the full integration of information between the equipment. In order to solve the problems of information isolation and non-flow, independence between equipment, and weak cooperation of three-machines due to an insufficient fusion of perception data, a fusion method of the equipment's state perception system on the intelligent working surface was proposed. Firstly, an intelligent perception system for the state of the three-machines in the working face was established based on fiber optic sensing technology and inertial navigation technology. Then, the datum coordinate system is created on the working surface to uniformly describe the status of the three-machines and the spatial position relationship between the three-machines is established using a scraper conveyor as a bridge so that the three-machines become a mutually restricted and collaborative equipment system. Finally, an indoor test was carried out to verify the relational model of the spatial position of the three-machines. The results indicate that the intelligent working face three-machines perception system based on fiber optic sensing technology and inertial navigation technology can achieve the fusion of monitoring data and unified expression of equipment status. The research results provide an important reference for building an intelligent perception, intelligent decision-making, and automatic execution system for coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous anodic alumina film is proposed to construct an optical fiber temperature and humidity sensor. In the sensor structure, a fiber Bragg grating is used to detect the environment temperature, and the porous film is used to detect the environment humidity. The proposed porous anodic alumina film was fabricated by anodic oxidation reaction, and it is suitable for the use of humidity detection due to its porous structure. Experimental results show the temperature sensitivity of the proposed sensor was 10.4 pm/°C and the humidity sensitivity of the proposed sensor was 185 pm/%RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A straight-line-type Sagnac optic fiber acoustic sensing system is proposed in this paper to adopt the application needs of no man's plateau borderline for monitoring mechanical invasion. The Sagnac interference fiber loop is replaced by a straight-line fiber and a 1 × 2 coupler, and the length of the Sagnac interference fiber loop is shortened by close to 50%. The influences of delay fiber and sensing fiber on the sensing system are analyzed by theory calculation and simulation and the optimal lengths of delay fiber and sensing fiber were decided. The experiment system was set, and the sensing fiber was wound into titanium alloy cylinder to compose the sensing element. Experimental results show that the sensing system has a good response to 50−8000 Hz and 70 dB sinusoidal acoustical signals and can well distinguish the signals of different frequencies. Using a small-scale helicopter audio signal as the acoustical signal, the test results show that the response curve is consistent with the simulation results and the sensitivity reaches 30.67 mV/Pa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of information transmission, there is an increasing demand for state monitoring of fiber-optic communication networks to improve the security and self-healing ability of the network. Distributed optical fiber sensing is one of the most attractive methods because it can achieve real-time detection of the whole network without additional sensing heads. However, when the sensing network is introduced into the communication network, the failure probability should be efficiently suppressed with limited sensing resources. In this paper, the fuzzy logic system is used to evaluate the impact of different sensing resource allocation on optical cable network quality. The link failure probability and path failure probability under the condition of uniform and non-uniform sensing resource allocation are simulated and analyzed, respectively. As shown in the analysis results, the failure probability under non-uniform allocation is significantly lower than under uniform allocation. In this paper, we discussed and addressed the allocation of the optical fiber sensing and communication integrated (OFSCI) network with the limited sensing resource for the first time. The results are helpful to develop an allocation strategy for optical fiber sensing and a communication integrated network with a higher robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental fatigue is a key cause of chronic diseases and traffic accidents, which is difficult to be quantitatively evaluated. In order to non-intrusively detect fatigue state, an optical fiber sensing system is proposed, which is non-invasive and does not require direct contact with skin. The fiber sensor was fabricated through phase mask exposure method and packaged by sensitivity-enhanced structure, which can suppress transverse force and increase signal amplitude by 5%. A fatigue-inducing experiment was carried out, and the heartbeat signals of 20 subjects under different fatigue states were collected by the proposed sensing system. A series of heart rate variability indicators were calculated from the sensing signals, and their statistical significance for fatigue was analyzed. The experiment results showed that the values of SDNN and LF/HF increased significantly with subjects' fatigue level. This study shows that the proposed fiber optic sensing system has practical value in fatigue state monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the short supply of conventional fill materials, such as sand, land reclamation using dredged marine deposits has recently been proposed, in which marine deposits with high water content are blow-filled into reclaiming areas. The strength development of the filled marine soils is of great importance during the sedimentation and consolidation to guide the filling process and construction of reclamation. In this study, a novel sensor based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technology with a simple design was developed for undrained shear strength measurement. The novel sensor consists of an optical fiber and a series of polyoxymethylene coins. Owing to the merits of OFDR technology on high resolution, fully distributed sensing, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, the novel sensor can be used to determine undrained shear strength profiles of very soft to soft marine sediments/soils with good accuracy. The sensor was calibrated in remolded marine deposits with different water contents. The good feasibility and performance of the novel sensor for undrained shear strength measurement were well validated in two physical model tests on marine deposits treated by horizontal drains with vacuum preloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of mine pressure, division of vertical zoning of the overburden, discrimination of key stratum structure of the overburden and monitoring of advanced abutment pressure are still the main research problems in the field of coal mining. Therefore, the promotion of development of a monitoring technology of mining-induced rock mass deformation has important research value in the mining field. There are many problems to be solved in the application of optical fiber sensing (OFS) to deformation monitoring, such as the corresponding relationship between actual deformation and optical parameters, the coupling relationship between the optical fiber and rock mass and the reasonable division of vertical zoning of the overburden. In this study, a quantitative index of coupling action between the mining rock mass and optical fiber is put forward, and the coupling coefficient of different vertical zonings is quantitatively analyzed and discussed. Based on this, five different media in contact with optical fiber are proposed. The relationship between the strain curve form, the development height of the fracture zone and the activity of key stratum is established. It is of great academic value and research significance to establish a characterization system of displacement, deformation and structural evolution of overlying strata based on optical fiber sensing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the deterioration of the surface ecological environment caused by large-scale exploitation of the Jurassic coal field in northern Shaanxi, the three-dimensional similar material test model is made to simulate the extraction of shallow coal seam. Using Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA) optical fiber distributed sensing technology, this paper studied the strain distribution rule and movement characteristics of strata under reamer-pillar mining, analyzed the stability of the remaining coal pillars in the mining area, and obtained the strain contour graph of strata through calculations. The research result shows that the deformation of coal pillars in a safety-critical state under reamer-pillar mining experiences three stages. The stratum deformation is distributed in the shape of a pyramid with the mining area as the center. On the basis of the strain distribution of strata, the settlement curve and subsidence curve of strata deformation are determined to obtain the rupture angle and angle of draw. After being compared with the measured data, the angle values are almost the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Structural health monitoring. Distributed fiber-optic sensing based on Brillouin scattering has been extensively studied and many configurations have been developed so far. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Brillouin optical correlation-domain reflectometry (BOCDR), which is known as a unique technique with intrinsic single-end accessibility, high spatial resolution, and cost efficiency. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of BOCDR over other Brillouin-based distributed sensing techniques, and present the fundamental principle and properties of BOCDR with some special schemes for enhancing the performance. We also describe the recent development of a high-speed configuration of BOCDR (slope-assisted BOCDR), which offers a beyond-nominal-resolution detectability. The paper is summarized with some future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of coal wastes resulting from mining is of particular environmental concern, and the importance of proper management involving real-time assessment of their status and identification of probable evolution scenarios is recognized. Continuous monitoring of the combustion temperature and emission levels of certain gases allows for the possibility of planning corrective actions to minimize their negative impact on the surroundings. Optical fiber technology is well suited to this purpose and here we describe the main attributes and results obtained from a fiber optic sensing system projected to gather data on distributed temperature and gas emissions in these harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A performance optimization design for a high-speed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system based on a high-speed distributed feedback (DFB) swept laser is proposed. A time-division-multiplexing sensor network with identical weak FBGs is constituted to realize high-capacity sensing. In order to further improve the multiplexing capacity, a waveform repairing algorithm is designed to extend the dynamic demodulation range of FBG sensors. It is based on the fact that the spectrum of an FBG keeps stable over a long period of time. Compared with the pre-collected spectra, the distorted spectra waveform are identified and repaired. Experimental results show that all the identical weak FBGs are distinguished and demodulated at the speed of 100 kHz with a linearity of above 0.99, and the range of dynamic demodulation is extended by 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the experimental application of distributed optical fiber sensors, based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), to the monitoring of a small-scale granular slope reconstituted in an instrumented flume and subjected to artificial rainfall until failure, and to the monitoring of a volcanic rock slope. The experiments demonstrate the sensors' ability to reveal the sudden increase in soil strain that foreruns the failure in a debris flow phenomenon, as well as to monitor the fractures in the tuff rocks. This study offers an important perspective on the use of distributed optical fiber sensors in the setting up of early warning systems for landslides in both rock and unconsolidated materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on trailing edge deflection estimation for the SmartX camber morphing wing demonstrator. This demonstrator integrates the technologies of smart sensing, smart actuation and smart controls using a six module distributed morphing concept. The morphing sequence is brought about by two actuators present at both ends of each of the morphing modules. The deflection estimation is carried out by interrogating optical fibers that are bonded on to the wing's inner surface. A novel application is demonstrated using this method that utilizes the least amount of sensors for load monitoring purposes. The fiber optic sensor data is used to measure the deflections of the modules in the wind tunnel using a multi-modal fiber optic sensing approach and is compared to the deflections estimated by the actuators. Each module is probed by single-mode optical fibers that contain just four grating sensors and consider both bending and torsional deformations. The fiber optic method in this work combines the principles of hybrid interferometry and FBG spectral sensing. The analysis involves an initial calibration procedure outside the wind tunnel followed by experimental testing in the wind tunnel. This method is shown to experimentally achieve an accuracy of 2.8 mm deflection with an error of 9%. The error sources, including actuator dynamics, random errors, and nonlinear mechanical backlash, are identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with conventional laser, random laser (RL) has no resonant cavity, reducing the requirement of cavity design. In recent years, the random fiber laser (RFL), a novel kind of RL, has made great progress in theories and experiments. The RFL has a simpler structure, a more flexible design, and higher reliability. It has valuable applications for earth sciences, biological life sciences, and national defense security, due to these unique properties. This paper reviews the development of RFLs in the last decade, including their configurations based on various optical fibers and their output properties, especially the method of control. Moreover, we also introduce their applications in the optical fiber sensing system, which is a very important and practical orientation to study. Finally, this paper presents the prospects of RFLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrahigh resolution thickness measurement sensor was proposed based on a single mode–hollow core–single mode (SMF–HCF–SMF) fiber structure by coating a thin layer of material on the HCF surface. Theoretical analysis shows that the SMF–HCF–SMF fiber structure can measure coating thickness down to sub-nanometers. An experimental study was carried out by coating a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) on the HCF surface of the fabricated SMF–HCF–SMF fiber structure. The experimental results show that the fiber sensor structure can detect a thin layer with a thickness down to 0.21 nanometers, which agrees well with the simulation results. The proposed sensing technology has the advantages of simple configuration, ease of fabrication, low cost, high resolution, and good repeatability, which offer great potential for practical thickness measurement applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and reliable ultraviolet sensing method with high sensitivity is proposed. ZnO and ZnO composite graphene are successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method. The optical fiber sensor is fabricated by coating the single-mode-taper multimode-single-mode (STMS) with different shapes of ZnO. The effects of the sensitivity of ultraviolet sensors are further investigated. The results show that the sensor with ZnO nanosheets exhibits a higher sensitivity of 357.85 pm/nW·cm−2 for ultraviolet sensing ranging from 0 to 4 nW/cm2. The ultraviolet characteristic of STMS coated flake ZnO composite graphene has been demonstrated with a sensitivity of 427.76 pm/nW·cm−2. The combination of sensitive materials and optical fiber sensing technology provides a novel and convenient platform for ultraviolet detection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-optics sensors using interrogation based on incoherent optical frequency-domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) offer benefits such as the high stability of interference in the radio-frequency (RF) domain and the high SNR due to narrowband RF detection. One of the main impairments of the technique, however, is the necessity of high-frequency detectors and vector network analyzers (VNA) in systems requiring high resolution. In this paper, we report on two C-band implementations of an I-OFDR architecture based on homodyne electro-optic downconversion enabling detection without VNA and using only low-bandwidth, high-sensitivity receivers, therefore alleviating the requirements of conventional I-OFDR approaches. The systems are based on a pair of modulators that are synchronized to perform modulation and homodyne downconversion at a reference frequency of 25.5 kHz. In the first system, we attain centimeter resolution with a sensitivity down to −90 dB using the modulation frequency range comprised between 3.2 and 14.2 GHz. In the second, we measured, for the first time using this approach, Rayleigh backscattering traces in standard single mode fiber with resolution of 6 m and a sensitivity of −83 dB by use of the 10.1–30.1 MHz range. These results show the feasibility of these simple, homodyne downconversion I-OFDR systems as compact interrogators for distributed or quasi-distributed optical fiber sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crack generation starts at the crack tip, which bears the highest stress concentration. Under further stress, the crack propagates and leads to severe structural damage. To avoid such damage, the identification of the crack tips, and monitoring of the surrounding stress and strain fields, are very important. In this work, the location of, and strain distribution monitoring around, the crack tip are achieved using a dense ultra-short (DUS) fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array together with an improved optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) interrogator. The adjacent grating interference correlation algorithm helps overcome the limitation on the demodulation precision, which is imposed by the inherently broad reflection spectra of individual ultra-short gratings. High spatial resolution measurement of the strain profile around the crack tip is performed at different levels of induced strain. Furthermore, the vertical-crossed layout is adopted to avoid the omission of cracks, which usually occurs in the case of the one direction layout. We achieve 1 mm spatial resolution and 7.5 m detection distance. Location of a single crack, multiple cracks, and an oblique crack was realized experimentally by locating the crack tips. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis, verifying the feasibility of the DUS-FBG system for high-density distributed crack tip sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an efficient model-based signal processing approach for optical fiber sensing with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) arrays. A position estimation based on an estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) and a reflectivity estimation method using a parametric transfer matrix model (TMM) are outlined in detail. The estimation algorithms are evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations and measurement data from an incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometer (iOFDR). The model-based approach outperforms conventional Fourier transform processing, especially near the spatial resolution limit, saving electrical bandwidth and measurement time. The models provide great flexibility and can be easily expanded in complexity to meet different topologies and to include prior knowledge of the sensors. Systematic errors due to crosstalk between gratings caused by multiple reflections and spectral shadowing could be further considered with the TMM to improve the performance of large-scale FBG array sensor systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]