Fiber Bragg grating-based Fiber Optic Identification
Diamond SA has developed a unique method for identifying sections of optical fiber: By integrating a series of Fiber Bragg gratings at defined intervals, light of specific wavelengths are reflected back to the transmitter. Information can be encoded in the spacing between the gratings and the wavelengths that they respond to, and can be read back by an interrogator on the transmitter end.
Information encoded using this method is permanent in the fiber, and cannot be modified or removed. The insertion loss introduced by the Bragg gratings is negligible, and their wavelengths can be specified to avoid interfering with the transmitted light signal.
In medical applications, this technology can be used to ensure that limited-use devices are not used beyond their specified lifetime. The interrogator is a simple device that can be integrated into existing medical devices or control consoles that control light signal transmission.