Comparison of 3D Shape Reconstruction Methods for Fiber-Optic Sensors

A comparison of two methods for the 3D shape reconstruction of a new kind of fiber-optic sensor using Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) is presented. The sensors, developed at the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute, consists of FBGs written in the cladding of a standard 125 mm fiber. In this way, simple and cost efficient bending sensors can be produced. Shape reconstruction strategies using a single fiber, that was actively moved along an path, which shape was reconstructed, and with a fiber, that was resting, were investigated. The achievable accuracy of both methods was compared with an experimental setup.