The FiberLab group focuses on developing, optimizing, and processing of tailored fiber optical sensors for specific applications by using femtosecond laser technology for creating new material properties. In glass fibers, processed grating structures enable various applications. For example, fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) can be used for multi-functional sensory networks, like the acquisition of strain and temperature in real-time at different locations. For 3D shape sensing, FBGs in single-mode fibers are processed inside the fiber cladding in form of waveguide Bragg gratings. A second approach for 3D shape sensing structures is the processing of so-called edge-FBGs, which are shifted from the center of the fiber core close to the peripheral area of the fiber cladding. A third approach is the use of FBGs in multi-core fibers. For chemical detection in liquid and gas phase etched FBGs with specific layers are applied. Optical broadband mirrors can be processed with femtosecond laser pulses by the generation of so-called “chirped” FBG structures.
