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Abstract

The development of embedded sensors, connected to a large-scale sensor network and integrated within the host material, is a first step toward intelligent sensorial materials. This article discusses selected common sensor principles used, in particular, for structural health monitoring in composite materials and presents a new approach developed by the authors that is based on intelligent electronic sensor nodes, interconnected by optical fibers. Both a high-speed data link and power supply are realized via the optical fibers, making batteries or other local energy sources for the sensor nodes superfluous.

Keywords

Optical sensor network optical power supply power over fibre smart materials sensorial materials

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