BlueBox is an interrogation system for optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain and temperature sensors.The sensor system measures changes of Bragg wavelength of optical fi ber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors over time.
The polychromator based measurement guarantees exact simultaneous measurement  times  for  all  sensors  in  the wavelength-multiplexed assembly, with equal measurement duration of typically 100 µs. So, it is possible to reconstruct exact strain mode  distributions  from  the momentary multi-point  strain  results.
The  compact  and  robust  unit  is  designated  for  use  in  harsh industrial environment, e.g., 20g impact shock-proof, operating from -40°C, dustprotected.

The  sensor  software  controls  the  spectral  FBG  sensor measurements, performs calculation of sensor values, as well as visualization and storage of the sensor measuring results on PC via Ethernet data interface.

Sensor networks:

• Strain 1 µm/m to 5%
• vibrations to 1 MHz
• temperature -270 .. +250 °C
• Chemical parameters (H2, pH,etc.)
• Multiplex to> 100 measuring points
• embedded in composite materials
• Tough operating conditions:

- high voltage
- electro-magnetic interference fi elds
- explosive-environment
- chemically-aggressive media
- ionizing / nuclear radiation
- very high / low temperatures

Applications:

• turbines, wind turbines
• aerospace
• railway engineering, cryogenics
• structures,  geotechnical

Examples of Fiber-Bragg-Sensors for Structure Monitoring