Funding agency: Research Promotion Foundation
Grant number: POST-DOC/0718(sp. ext.)/0003
Duration: 10/2019 – 09/2021
Partners: Cyprus University of Technology, Mirage Photonics, Institute of Photonics and Electronics (UFE Prague)
Abstract: In this project proposal, we will develop monolithic high-efficiency fibre lasers for operation in mid-infrared wavelength range and particularly at 3.5 μm. The gratings will be inscribed directly inside to the active fluoride fibre using a new patented (CUT) femtosecond laser inscription method, which according to the latest scientific reporting results looks very promising for the development of monolithic fibre laser devices. The inscription method offers high controllability on the optical characteristics of the FBGs, to minimise the additional losses typical of this type of inscription process, while special attention will be given to improving the power slope efficiency of the laser. To address this, the Young Researcher will work in collaboration with Mirage Photonics, a company from Australia, who are experts in fibre lasers and published a new patent related to the pumping method of the lasers that can improve the power slope efficiency by more than eight times. Thus two patented technologies will be combined to support the efforts of this proposal and produce high-efficiency continuous wave and mode-locked lasers for gas detection and pollution measurements.
Funding agency: Research Promotion Foundation
Grant number: START-UPS/0618/0032
Duration: 05/2019 – 07/2020
Partners: Cyprus University of Technology, University of Cyprus
Abstract: Significant amount of public funds in Cyprus are allocated for civil infrastructure construction and maintenance. As the technology progresses, coupled with the need to increase the general safety of structures and citizens, the civil infrastructures require to become “smart” by incorporating sensing technologies. Monitoring the health of civil infrastructures with sensors can provide continuous and real-time information regarding any abnormal states or damage on the structures and offer advice for maintenance and reconstruction. The monitoring system can be installed in various critical civil structures such as bridges, dams, tunnels, power plants, historical monuments and geostructures. The impact of self-aware infrastructure will lead to transformations in the approaches to design and construction as well as step changes in improved health and productivity, greater efficiency in design and performance, a low-carbon society and sustainable urban planning and management. An essential parameter to assess the health condition in concrete structures is the internal moisture. Moisture fluctuations in concrete are linked with the concrete deterioration mechanisms, such as carbonation, frost, corrosion and crack formation. The moisture levels are measured indirectly by monitoring the relative humidity (RH). In this project proposal, we offer a solution by developing a novel monitoring system based on optical fibre sensors embedded in concrete structures. The proposed sensors will monitor RH and other essential parameters, such as temperature and strain. The developed prototype system will provide high added value in the construction industry, which is one of the priority areas according the Smart Specialization Strategy for Cyprus.
Funding agency: Research Promotion Foundation
Grant number: INNOVOUCHER/1217/0164
Abstract: Uniform, in-core FBGs have shown high sensitivity to environmental parameters, such as temperature and strain. However, their location in the fibre core is too far from the cladding/air interface to interact and detect the presence and properties of materials surrounding the optical fibre. Transmission sensors, such as tilted Bragg gratings (TFBGs) and long period gratings (LPGs) that couple light to the cladding and beyond, are used to make refractive index measurements. However, there is a fundamental need for refractive index sensors that operate in reflection, with an impact on chemical and biological measures, for which the analysis of refractive index can be related with the different diseases. Moreover, it applies to gas measurements, distinguishing minute differences in refractive index. With this Innovation Voucher, we foresee to develop and characterize optical waveguide sensors in the cladding of glass optical fibres for applications in biomedical and gas sensing areas.
Funding agency: National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)
Grant number: 427054/2018-4
Abstract: This Research Project aims at the development of new polymer optical fibers through different low cost and ecologically correct techniques. These techniques include the recycling of materials present in the daily lives of the general population as an alternative to reducing solid waste, especially electronic waste. In addition, optical fiber manufacturing techniques using 3D printers will also be developed, since 3D printing has advantages such as low relative cost, ease of manufacturing and customization, and is an ecologically correct alternative. In this context, optical fibers will also be manufactured from the materials commonly used in the filaments of such printers with the further possibility of fabricating optical fibers from biodegradable and biocompostable materials. The manufactured fibers will be characterized in relation to their optical, thermal and mechanical properties for their subsequent application in sensing systems. The aim of this project is to obtain different polymer optical fibers made from different materials with sensor systems based on these fibers to monitor different parameters using different methodologies to develop sensors such as intensity variation, interferometers, Bragg gratings and other novel structures.
Funding agency: Espirito Santo Research and innovation foundation (FAPES)
Grant number: 84336650
Abstract: This research project presents the creation of a research and innovation center on photonics and advanced sensors in which three main research lines will be developed: (i) development of optical sources in optical fibers and optical components. (ii) Development of new interrogation techniques for optical fibers sensors aiming at cost-effective and portable solutions for dynamic measurements. (iii) Fabrication, development and applications of optical fiber sensors, which include both silica and polymer optical fibers in its many variants. In addition, different sensors will be investigated such as interferometers, uniform and non-uniform fiber Bragg gratings, intensity variation-based sensors and the ones based on fiber nonlinear effects.