Real-time signal processing for sub-THz range grating-based distributed fiber sensing

Distributed optical fiber sensors are an increasingly utilized method of gathering distributed strain and temperature data. However, the large amount of data they generate present a challenge that limits their use in real-time, in-situ applications. This letter describes a parallel and pipelined computing architecture that accelerates the signal-processing speed of sub-terahertz fiber sensor (sub-THz-fs) arrays, maintaining high spatial resolution while allowing for expanded use for real-time sensing and control applications. The computing architecture described was successfully implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip. The signal processing for the entire array takes only 12 system clock cycles. In addition, this design removes the necessity of storing any raw or intermediate data.