%0 Journal Article
%T Application of Remote Power-by-Light Switching in a Simplified BOTDA Sensor Network
%A Mikel Bravo
%A Angel Ullan
%A Ander Zornoza
%A Alayn Loayssa
%A Manuel Lopez-Amo
%A Jose Miguel Lopez-Higuera
%J Sensors
%D 2013
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/s131217434
%X We propose and demonstrate the use of spatial multiplexing as a means to reduce the costs of distributed sensing networks. We propose a new scheme in which remote power-by-light switching is deployed to scan multiple branches of a distributed sensing network based on Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) sensors. A proof-of-concept system is assembled with two 5-km sensor fiber branches that are alternatively monitored using a fast remotely controlled and optically powered optical switch. The multiplexed distributed sensor fibers were located 10 km away from the interrogation unit and a Raman pump is used to remotely power the switch. Furthermore, the deployed BOTDA unit uses an alternative configuration that can lead to simplified setups.
%K BOTDA sensor
%K remote sensing
%K optical switch
%K sensor network
%U http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/13/12/17434