Provided are a spatial sensing device, and the like, that are suitable for spatial sensing. This spatial sensing device (3) comprises a sensing data acquisition means (11) for acquiring sensing data through optical fiber sensing using a plurality of optical fiber cables (1) laid in different directions and an object detection means (12) for using the sensing data to detect the position of an object in a space of interest.

A system and method for forming a low cost optical sensor array. The sensor includes an optical fiber; a first nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a first parameter through a correlated signal having a first wavelength; and a second nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a second parameter through a correlated signal having a second wavelength different from the wavelength of the first parameter.

A photonic displacement sensor comprises a photonic fiber including a) a core section having a first band gap aligned along an extended longitudinal axis, and b) a cladding section surrounding the core section having a second band gap. The first band gap is adapted to block a spectral band of radiation centered on a first wavelength that is directed along the longitudinal axis, and the second band gap is adapted to block a spectral band of radiation centered on a second wavelength that is directed transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein displacement is detected based on a shift in at least one of the first and second band gap of the photonic fiber, enabling an intensity of radiation to be detected that is in proportion to the displacement in the photonic fiber.

Various embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems to operate a tool downhole in a well, where the tool has sensing system to determine different properties of downhole structures. Such an apparatus can include a received signal that is input to a beam splitter with 5 a local oscillator signal. The beam splitter outputs light signals to first and second photodetectors that convert the respective signals to electrical signals. The electrical signals are input to differential amplifier that generates an amplitude representative of the phase difference between the two input signals. A feedback path converts that 10 amplitude to a phase adjustment signal that is couple to the local oscillator.

An optical sensor and a deformation detection system in which the optical sensor is used. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber, an elongated hollow housing having an interior portion, and a material disposed on an inner surface of the housing that produces a persistent change in an optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber when the optical fiber contacts the material. The optical fiber elastically extends between opposing ends of the housing such that a bending deformation of the housing beyond a threshold radius of curvature causes a contact to occur between the material and the optical fiber. The contact results in persistent change in the optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber, which can be detected to determine whether deformation of the device occurred beyond a predetermined threshold value. The deformation detection system can use one or more of the optical sensors attached to the device.

An optical sensor and a deformation detection system in which the optical sensor is used. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber, an elongated hollow housing having an interior portion, and a material disposed on an inner surface of the housing that produces a persistent change in an optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber when the optical fiber contacts the material. The optical fiber elastically extends between opposing ends of the housing such that a bending deformation of the housing beyond a threshold radius of curvature causes a contact to occur between the material and the optical fiber. The contact results in persistent change in the optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber, which can be detected to determine whether deformation of the device occurred beyond a predetermined threshold value. The deformation detection system can use one or more of the optical sensors attached to the device.

A photonic displacement sensor comprises a photonic fiber including a) a core section having a first band gap aligned along an extended longitudinal axis, and b) a cladding section surrounding the core section having a second band gap. The first band gap is adapted to block a spectral band of radiation centered on a first wavelength that is directed along the longitudinal axis, and the second band gap is adapted to block a spectral band of radiation centered on a second wavelength that is directed transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein displacement is detected based on a shift in at least one of the first and second band gap of the photonic fiber, enabling an intensity of radiation to be detected that is in proportion to the displacement in the photonic fiber.

An optical sensor and a deformation detection system in which the optical sensor is used. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber, an elongated hollow housing having an interior portion, and a material disposed on an inner surface of the housing that produces a persistent change in an optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber when the optical fiber contacts the material. The optical fiber elastically extends between opposing ends of the housing such that a bending deformation of the housing beyond a threshold radius of curvature causes a contact to occur between the material and the optical fiber. The contact results in persistent change in the optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber, which can be detected to determine whether deformation of the device occurred beyond a predetermined threshold value. The deformation detection system can use one or more of the optical sensors attached to the device.

An optical sensor and a deformation detection system in which the optical sensor is used. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber, an elongated hollow housing having an interior portion, and a material disposed on an inner surface of the housing that produces a persistent change in an optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber when the optical fiber contacts the material. The optical fiber elastically extends between opposing ends of the housing such that a bending deformation of the housing beyond a threshold radius of curvature causes a contact to occur between the material and the optical fiber. The contact results in persistent change in the optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber, which can be detected to determine whether deformation of the device occurred beyond a predetermined threshold value. The deformation detection system can use one or more of the optical sensors attached to the device.

An optical sensor includes an optical device including a microresonator, laid out to guide a light beam along a closed loop optical path, and an injection and/or extraction waveguide, optically coupled to the microresonator; a photodetector, arranged at the output of the injection and/or extraction waveguide; and an analysis device, receiving a signal supplied by the photodetector, and deducing therefrom information relative to a displacement. The microresonator is constituted of a plurality of elementary waveguides spaced apart from each other, and arranged one after the other according to a loop shaped layout. The optical sensor offers increased sensitivity to the measurement of nanometric displacements.