Paulo Robalinho

Abstract
In this paper, a different Fiber Loop Mirror (FLM) configuration with two circulators is presented. This configuration is demonstrated and characterized for sensing applications. This new design concept was used for strain and torsion discrimination. For strain measurement, the interference fringe displacement has a sensitivity of (0.576 +/- 0.009) pm.mu epsilon(-1). When the FFT (Fast Fourier Transformer) is calculated and the frequency shift and signal amplitude are monitored, the sensitivities are (-2.1 +/- 0.3) x 10(-4) nm(-1) mu epsilon(-1) and (4.9 +/- 0.3) x 10(-7) mu epsilon(-1), respectively. For the characterization in torsion, an FFT peaks variation of (-2.177 +/- 0.002) x 10(-12) nm(-1)/degrees and an amplitude variation of (1.02 +/- 0.06) x 10(-3)/degrees are achieved. This configuration allows the use of a wide range of fiber lengths and with different refractive indices for controlling the free spectral range (FSR) and achieving refractive index differences, i.e., birefringence, higher than 10(-2), which is essential for the development of high sensitivity physical parameter sensors, such as operating on the Vernier effect. Furthermore, this FLM configuration allows the system to be balanced, which is not possible with traditional FLMs.

Abstract
Systems for wireless energy transmission (WET) are gaining prominence nowadays. This work presents a WET system based on the photo-thermoelectric effect. With an incident laser beam at lambda = 1450 nm, a temperature gradient is generated in the radial flexible thermoelectric (TE) device, with a carbon-based light collector in its center to enhance the photoheating. The three-part prototype presents a unique approach by using a radial TE device with one simple manufacturing process - screen-printing. A TE ink with a polymeric matrix of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and doped-Poly(vinyl alcohol) with Sb-Bi-Te microparticles is developed (S similar to 33 mu VK-1 and s similar to 10.31 Sm-1), presenting mechanical and electrical stability. Regarding the device, a full electrical analysis is performed, and the influence of the light collector is investigated using thermal tests, spectrophotometry, and numerical simulations. A maximum output voltage (Vout) of similar to 16 mV and maximum power density of similar to 25 mu Wm(-2) are achieved with Plaser = 2 W. Moreover, the device's viability under extreme conditions is explored. At T similar to 180 K, a 25% increase in Vout compared to room-temperature conditions is achieved, and at low pressures (similar to 10(-6) Torr), an increase of 230% is obtained. Overall, this prototype allows the supply of energy at long distances and remote places, especially for space exploration.

Abstract
White Light Interferometry, known for its absolute measurement capability and high precision, had its greatest scientific impact towards the end of the 20th century. In this work, it was assembled and characterized a fibre Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) as an interrogator and a fibre Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) as a displacement sensor. A measurement bandwidth between 65 µm and 95 µm was obtained for FPI cavities close to 2.35 mm, at sampling frequencies between 600 Hz and 1500 Hz. Additionally, a resonant frequency at 550 Hz was achieved, allowing for an interrogation band higher than 135 µm. It was also determined a minimum absolute resolution of ± 66 nm, corresponding to a relative resolution of ± 9.4×10-4 in relation to the total band.

Abstract
The fibre optic current sensor demonstrated here uses the intrinsic temperature and wavelength dependence of the Verdet constant of a terbium gallium garnet (TGG) magneto-optic material and the two micro-optic linear polarizers attached, to simultaneously extract the values of temperature and the optical Faraday rotation (induced by the presence of the magnetic field due an electric current on a conductor) without any extra optical component attached to the optical sensor head. The simultaneous measurement is achieved by illuminating the sensor head with a broadband optical source and by careful signal processing of the originated channelled-spectrum, compensate the sensor's temperature dependence.

Abstract
In this paper, we study the implementation of a secure key distribution system based on an ultra-long fiber laser with a bi-directional erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The resilience of the system was tested against passive attacks from an eavesdropper. A similarity was observed in the spectra for both secure configurations of the system and no signature that would allow an eavesdropper to obtain the secure state of the system was observed during the state transitions.