Review of femtosecond infrared laser-induced fibre Bragg grating sensors made with a phase mask

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research performed at the Communications Research Centre Canada on sensing applications of femtosecond infrared laser-inscribed Bragg gratings. Design/methodology/approach - By using fibre Bragg gratings induced with ultrafast infrared radiation, inscription of high temperature stable sensors in standard and exotic optical waveguides is investigated for a variety of novel applications. Findings - Generally, femtosecond laser-induced gratings are effective sensors that can be applied in situations and environments where most fibre optic sensors are not effective. Originality/value - The paper is a review of existing work already published in the literature and provides an overview of this technology to the reader.