Abstract
In this work the concept of long period based optical fibre sensors with the broadband light illumination generated just after the sensing structure is presented. This new approach allows the interrogation in transmission of the sensing head while integrated in a reflective configuration, which means the LPG sensor is seen in transmission by the optical source but in reflection by the measurement system. Also, it is shown that with this illumination layout the optical power balance is more favorable when compared with the standard configurations, allowing better sensor performances particularly when the sensing head is located far away from the photodetection and processing unit. This is demonstrated for the case of the LPG structure applied to measure strain and using ratiometric interrogation based on the readout of the optical power reflected by two fibre Bragg gratings spectrally located in each side of the LPG resonance.

Abstract
A miniature fiber Bragg grating strain rosette is presented. The proposed design is made possible through the development of low curvature radius lossless tapers, thus offering advantages in miniaturization of the rosette configuration. We report on the experimental validation of the miniature rosette design, demonstrating its effective operation.

Abstract
It is shown how the design possibilities offered by double-layer uniform-waist tapered optical fibers (DLUWTs) permit to move the wavelength detection range to adapt the response of the sensors to varied conditions. In particular, we have obtained very good experimental curves showing that we can achieve plasmon resonances in the C-band of the optical communications, around 1.5 mu m, for the range of refractive indices of aqueous media, highly interesting in the biosensors field. Also, we show results for other interesting wavelength region, around 500 nm, where we can take advantage of the absorption peaks of the analytes. Finally, we explore the possibilities of using InN as a dielectric material for the second layer of the deposition. These results contribute to considerably expand the applicability and performance of SPR fiber sensors.

Abstract
A novel miniature fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based temperature probe is presented. The sensor design integrates a ushape lossless taper thus offering the advantages of a terminal temperature probe while enabling effective serial multiplexing. We report on the experimental validation of the temperature probe design demonstrating lossless operation and effective elimination of strain cross-sensitivity. © 2009 SPIE.

Abstract
A new interrogation method based on Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG) for Surface Plamon Resonance (SPR) sensors in the region of refractive indices of aqueous solutions is described. Two FBGs are selected with their Bragg wavelengths at opposite sides of the plasmon resonance peak. The response of the system can be made independent of the fluctuations of the optical power source, and the linearity and the sensitivity of the sensor are improved. The use of the spectral selectivity of gratings for the interrogation of SPR sensors in different configurations is also promising in terms of multiplexing, temperature referencing or multiparameter detection. © 2009 SPIE.

Abstract
One way to mitigate the high costs of doing science or business at sea is to create technological infrastructures possessing all the skills and resources needed for successful maritime operations, and make those capabilities and skills available to the external entities requiring them. By doing so, the individual economic and scientific agents can be spared the enormous effort of creating and maintaining their own, particular set of equivalent capabilities, thus drastically lowering their initial operating costs. In addition to cost savings, operating based on fully-fledged, shared infrastructures not only allows the use of more advanced scientific equipment and highly skilled personnel, but it also enables the business teams (be it industry or research) to focus on their goals, rather than on equipment, logistics, and support. This paper will describe the TEC4SEA infrastructure, created precisely to operate as described. This infrastructure has been under implementation in the last few years, and has now entered its operational phase. This paper will describe it, present its current portfolio of services, and discuss the most relevant assets and facilities that have been recently acquired, so that the research and industrial communities requiring the use of such assets can fully evaluate their adequacy for their own purposes and projects.