title: Application of remote power-by-light switching in a simplified BOTDA sensor network.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electric and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona 31006, Spain. mikel.bravo@unavarra.es.
authors.forename: Mikel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bravo
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ullan
authors.forename: Ander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zornoza
authors.forename: Alayn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Loayssa
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lopez-Amo
authors.forename: Jose Miguel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lopez-Higuera