Review of a Specialty Fiber for Distributed Acoustic Sensing Technology

Specialty fibers have introduced new levels of flexibility and variability in distributed fiber sensing applications. In particular, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems utilized] the unique functions of specialty fibers to achieve performance enhancements in various distributed sensing applications. This paper provides an overview of recent preparations and developments of specialty-fiber-based DAS systems and their sensing applications. The specialty-fiber-based DAS systems are categorized and reviewed based on the differences in scattering enhancement and methods of preparation. The prospects of using specialty fibers for DAS systems are also discussed.