2026
Autores
Piromallo, C; Strati, V; Nico, G; Wojnar, A; Apostol, ES; Barbosa, S; Barnaföldi, GG; Bielewicz, M; Ducobu, L; Majstorovic, J; Pachol, A; Rosat, S; Sans, JA; Tortola, M; Zdravevski, E;
Publicação
Abstract
2026
Autores
Robalinho, P; Piaia, V; Ribeiro, AL; Silva, S; Frazao, O;
Publicação
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
This paper presents the conditions required for effective sensitivity amplification in the optical harmonic Vernier effect. Two distinct cases are analyzed: in the first, the sensor cavity is the shortest, while in the second, it is the longest. Based on the proposed theoretical model, supported by experimental results, it is concluded that, in the first case, the sensitivity associated with the spectral extremes increases with the order of the harmonic states. In contrast, in the second case, the sensitivity at the spectral extremes remains constant, regardless of the harmonic order. To evaluate the effectiveness of applying the optical Vernier effect and to differentiate between the two cases, a new formulation of the magnification factor (M-factor) is introduced. This leads to the definition of a novel figure of merit for the optical Vernier effect, denoted as (FoM(Vernier)). In Case 1, where harmonics are generated by increasing the reference cavity, the figure of merit assumes a value of (m + 1). In Case 2, where harmonics are generated by increasing the sensor cavity, the figure of merit remains constant at 1, regardless of the state order (whether fundamental or harmonic). This study also concludes that the observed increase in sensitivity is apparent rather than intrinsic, as the sensitivity curve produced by the optical Vernier effect mirrors that of a conventional interferometer.
2026
Autores
Piaia, V; Robalinho, P; Frazão, O; Silva, SO;
Publicação
PHOTOPTICS
Abstract
Interferometric systems are frequently utilized in metrology due to their enhanced sensitivity, and combining these systems with resonance effects enables advantageous interrogation capabilities. The Fano resonance is a phenomenon that exploits the interplay between interference and resonance. In this research, a cleaved fiber Bragg grating is simulated to demonstrate the possibility of inducing Fano resonance through the interference of Bragg and Fresnel reflections. The device can adjust the asymmetrical spectrum, which can be leveraged as a dynamic sensor for a variety of applications, including polarization-based measurements and remote sensing.
2026
Autores
Santos, AD; Almeida, MAS; Mendes, JP; de Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, LCC;
Publicação
SENSORS
Abstract
Detection of leaks in hydrogen (H2) infrastructure is required on a large scale to enable a safe widespread use of this clean energy source. Sensing solutions must be low-cost, use scalable fabrication methods and allow multiplexed detection while providing reliable safety alarms as fast as possible. Optical methods can make this possible while avoiding the risk of ignition due to electronics at the point of detection. Metal hydride-based micro-mirror configurations benefit from a simple interrogation scheme, as long as the sensitive element can produce a large optical response. Magnesium thin films undergo a drastic variation of properties when hydrogenated, making them suitable for this application. In this work, a micro-mirror device using single-mode fibers capable of detecting the presence of H2 with a loading t10 and t90 of 1.2 and 3.0 s, respectively, is demonstrated. A complete interrogation unit was developed, presenting a solution suited for widespread deployment using industry-standard optical components and equipment.
2026
Autores
Silva, AR; Marques, C; Baptista, A; Giacheri, E; Pizzimenti, G; Mereu, A; Santos, R; Silva, A;
Publicação
24th International Industrial Simulation Conference, ISC 2026
Abstract
Designing reverse logistics networks requires making cost-emissions-service trade-offs in systems where return flows are irregular and product condition is highly variable, such has circular economy (C.E) oriented business. This paper develops a discrete-event simulation model to compare centralized and localized reverse-logistics configurations for a regional bicycle supply chain. The model captures stochastic task generation, condition-dependent routing into recovery versus recycling streams, and capacity-triggered dispatching on a road-network distance representation. A factorial experiment evaluates eight scenarios with statistical validation of the results. Under the modeled assumptions and dispatch policy, the centralized configuration consistently achieves lower cost and CO2 emissions per completed task while completing more tasks within the simulated horizon. Although the localized configuration reduces total distance traveled, it exhibits higher distance per completed task, indicating that pooling and utilization effects dominate the distance savings associated with additional hubs. These results provide comparative, mechanism-based insights into how network structure and fleet sizing interact with consolidation and dispatch rules in reverse logistics, and motivate future extensions toward adaptive control policies and higher-fidelity facility process modeling in the context of Circular Economy R-Strategies. © ISC 2026.
2026
Autores
Cosme, M; Pota, M; Preizal, J; Caldas, P; Oliveira, R; Nogueira, R; Araújo, FM; Cruz, JL; Rego, GM;
Publicação
SENSORS
Abstract
Over the past 18 months, we have performed hundreds of temperature characterizations of fiber Bragg gratings inscribed in different germanium-doped silica glass fibers. Under experimental conditions, the main conclusions are as follows: the temperature dependence of the temperature gauge factor or the normalized temperature sensitivity, K-T, was found to be quadratic in the -50-200 degrees C range, while it may be considered linear for the -20-100 degrees C range; K-T values at 20 degrees C vary from 5.176 x 10(-6) K-1, for a B/Ge co-doped fiber up to 6.724 x 10(-6) K-1, for a highly Ge-doped fiber; K-T does not depend on the hydrogen-loading process or the gratings coupling strength; K-T is essentially independent of wavelength in the 1500-1600 nm range, its value being accurately determined with a relative error similar to 0.2%; based on the accurate value of K-T = 6.165 x 10(-6) K-1, at 20 degrees C, obtained for gratings inscribed in the SMF-28 fiber, we calculated a value of 19.4 x 10(-6) K-1 for the thermo-optic coefficient of bulk germanium glass; and gratings produced by femtosecond-laser radiation and UV-laser radiation exhibit comparable values of K-T. The previous achievements allow, by having knowledge of K-T for a single grating, the accurate determination of the temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength for any other grating inscribed in the same fiber; the presented methodology enables one to determine the unknown gratings' temperature sensitivity, typically with an error of 0.01 pm/degrees C, being, therefore, very useful in research labs and computer simulations. Thus, expressions for the temperature dependence of K-T for gratings inscribed in several fibers are given, as well as an expression for K-T as a function of the effective refractive index. We have also fully analyzed the potential sources of error in K-T determination.
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