Optical fibre Bragg gratings at harmonics of the Bragg wavelength and their sensing properties

Spectral features in optical fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) at various harmonics of the Bragg wavelength arise due to saturation of the writing process. Additionally, phase-mask-produced FBGs possess a complex refractive index pattern, producing an extra periodicity equal to the phase-mask periodicity that supplements the desired periodicity of half that of the phase-mask, as shown via differential interference contrast microscopy. Some spectral peaks or dips occur as doublets with a wavelength spacing that depends upon fibre alignment relative to the phase mask. These spectral properties are of importance, as they allow the realization of alternative FBG sensors of various measurands. (paper)