4. Glossary

Blaze angle

Orientation of the index periodic fluctuation with respect to the fiber's cross-sectional plane, in the case of an inclined Bragg grating.

Spectral attenuation

Characterizes signal attenuation during propagation (Beer-Lambert law). It is expressed per unit fiber length at a given wavelength, e.g. 0.2 dB/km at 1.55 µm. The transmission of silica fibers is limited by Rayleigh scattering (law in 1/λ ⁴ ) from UV to near IR, and by IR absorption beyond.

Sensor

A device designed to perform a specific measurement. There are different types, depending on the technology used and the quantity (measurand) they address. Every sensor contains a transducer.

CFO, Fiber optic sensor

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