Review on development and applications of fiber-optic sensors

Fiber-optic sensors (FOSs) have experienced a tremendous growth since the 1970s and a number of important transitions into commercial sector have been achieved. Due to the specific advantages, FOSs have been considered as not only the substitutes of conventional sensors but also the unique solution in fields of industry, engineering and scientific research itself. This paper provides a review on the concepts, principles, methodology and applications of FOSs. Firstly, the current state of the art of FOSs is reviewed. As significant cases of developments in FOSs,the interferometric sensors, fiber grating sensors, photo crystal fiber sensors and scattering based sensors are outlined, respectively. Furthermore, several potential areas, where FOS is believed to be the one and only effective solution, are also discussed. Finally, trends in the development of FOSs are briefly outlined by combine with development of photonics.