Long-range hybrid double-bus network with point and distributed Brillouin sensors using Raman amplification

We propose a hybrid network that combine point and distributed Brillouin sensors in an architecture that also deploys remote distributed Raman amplification to extend the sensing range. A 46-km proof-of-concept network is experimentally demonstrated integrating point vibration sensors based on fiber-optic tapers, with distributed temperature sensing along the network bus. The sensor network with a double-bus topology offers a higher optical signal to noise ratio and dynamic range than a single-bus for intensity point multiplexed sensors. In this network, we include low-cost intensity sensors that are able to measure vibrations in the 0.01 to 50 Hz frequency range, which are important in the monitoring of large infrastructures such as pipelines.