A fiber-optic epoxy cure monitoring technique by using a wavelength-swept laser

An epoxy cure monitoring system has been constructed by combining fiber grating sensors and Fresnel reflection monitoring. The sensors measure strain and refractive index variations during the curing process, indicating the onset of gelification, the progress, and the end of curing. We used a wavelength-swept laser source to address both types of sensors. The signals from different sensors could be easily separated, resulting in simple optical setup and increased efficiency. The fiber grating sensors are demodulated by a spectrometer. The output fluctuation in the Fresnel reflection was compensated by referencing it with the tapped output of light source.