A downhole sensing method includes modulating light to form a soliton that propagates through an optical fiber acting as a sensing element that measures a downhole parameter. The method further includes obtaining scattered light created as the soliton propagates through the optic-fiber. The method further includes determining a value for a downhole parameter based on the scattered light, and displaying a representation of the value.

A downhole sensing method includes modulating light to form a soliton that propagates through an optical fiber acting as a sensing element that measures a downhole parameter. The method further includes obtaining scattered light created as the soliton propagates through the optic-fiber. The method further includes determining a value for a downhole parameter based on the scattered light, and displaying a representation of the value.

A drilling optimization collar for use proximate a drilling tool within a wellbore includes a fiber optic sensor filament that is sized and configured to fit within a groove formed within the drilling optimization collar. The drilling optimization collar may be a pipe segment that is sized and configured to be installed in a drill string proximate the drilling tool, and may have a plurality of sensor elements. All or a portion of the sensor elements may be formed by discrete segments of the sensor filament, and as such, the sensor filament includes sensor elements that are configured to sense a condition of the wellbore and a load on the drilling optimization collar.

A drilling optimization collar for use proximate a drilling tool within a wellbore includes a fiber optic sensor filament that is sized and configured to fit within a groove formed within the drilling optimization collar. The drilling optimization collar may be a pipe segment that is sized and configured to be installed in a drill string proximate the drilling tool, and may have a plurality of sensor elements. All or a portion of the sensor elements may be formed by discrete segments of the sensor filament, and as such, the sensor filament includes sensor elements that are configured to sense a condition of the wellbore and a load on the drilling optimization collar.

A distributed optical fiber sensing system is provided. The system can include an interrogator, a transmission optical fiber, a sensing optical fiber, and a reflector. Each of the transmission optical fiber and the sensing optical fiber includes at least one circulator. The reflector is optically coupled to the transmission optical fiber for sensing separate regions along the sensing optical fiber.

A distributed optical fiber sensing system is provided. The system can include an interrogator, a transmission optical fiber, a sensing optical fiber, and a reflector. Each of the transmission optical fiber and the sensing optical fiber includes at least one circulator. The reflector is optically coupled to the transmission optical fiber for sensing separate regions along the sensing optical fiber.

A method of monitoring a substance in a well can include disposing at least one optical electromagnetic sensor and at least one electromagnetic transmitter in the well, and inducing strain in the sensor, the strain being indicative of an electromagnetic parameter of the substance in an annulus between a casing and a wellbore of the well. A system for monitoring a substance in a well can include at least one electromagnetic transmitter, and at least one optical electromagnetic sensor with an optical waveguide extending along a wellbore to a remote location, the sensor being positioned external to a casing in the wellbore.

A method of monitoring a substance in a well can include disposing at least one optical electromagnetic sensor and at least one electromagnetic transmitter in the well, and inducing strain in the sensor, the strain being indicative of an electromagnetic parameter of the substance in an annulus between a casing and a wellbore of the well. A system for monitoring a substance in a well can include at least one electromagnetic transmitter, and at least one optical electromagnetic sensor with an optical waveguide extending along a wellbore to a remote location, the sensor being positioned external to a casing in the wellbore.

An aeronautical composite structure configured to monitor a physical status of a bonded portion between structural components using a multi-core optical fiber. A method and system for monitoring the physical status of a bonded portion in an aeronautical composite structure also uses a multi-core optical fiber. More particularly, the invention relates to a structure and method for monitoring the physical status of a bonded portion of an aeronautical composite structure from its manufacturing to its use in flight using a multi-core optical fiber.

An aeronautical composite structure configured to monitor a physical status of a bonded portion between structural components using a multi-core optical fiber. A method and system for monitoring the physical status of a bonded portion in an aeronautical composite structure also uses a multi-core optical fiber. More particularly, the invention relates to a structure and method for monitoring the physical status of a bonded portion of an aeronautical composite structure from its manufacturing to its use in flight using a multi-core optical fiber.