abstract
Fiber optic sensors based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology have the potential to revolutionize the way vital signs of the human body are measured and monitored. By leveraging their unique properties, these sensors can provide accurate and reliable data, thus enhancing the effectiveness of wearable devices. The integration of FBG sensors into different materials not only broadens their application scope but also improves user comfort and device practicality. However, some challenges remain in optimizing the embedding process to ensure sensor performance and durability. This review provides an overview of FBG technology employed for measuring vital signs of the human body reported in the past decade. The focus of the review is on the FBG embedding strategies into different materials, categorized into these three main groups (i.e., 3D printed, textiles, and polymers) and explores the implications of embedding fiber optic sensors in each category. Furthermore, it discusses the potential impact of these embedded sensors on the accuracy, comfort, and practicality of wearable devices designed for monitoring vital signs, highlighting the potential of these sensors to transform the field of health monitoring. Future research directions may include exploring new materials for embedding and refining sensor design further to improve the accuracy and comfort of these wearable devices. Ultimately, the evolution of fiber optic sensors could significantly advance the field of human vital sign monitoring, paving the way for more sophisticated and user-friendly health monitoring systems.
keywords
BRAGG GRATING SENSOR; BLOOD-PRESSURE-MEASUREMENT; HEART-RATE; FIBER; PULSE; HUMIDITY; DESIGN; DEVICE; PROBE
subject category
Optics; Physics
authors
Krizan, D; Stipal, J; Nedoma, J; Oliveira, S; Fajkus, M; Cubik, J; Siska, P; Schena, E; Lo Presti, D; Marques, C
our authors
Carlos Marques
Assistant ProfessorProjects
Collaboratory for Emerging Technologies, CoLab (EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)
Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)
acknowledgements
This article was co-funded by the European Union under the REFRESH - Research Excellence For Region Sustainability and High-tech Industries, Project No. CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048 via the Operational Programme Just Transition. In addition, this work was supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic conducted by VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Czechia under Grant Nos. SP2024/059 and SP2024/081. This work was also developed within the scope of the projects CICECO (Grant Nos. LA/P/0006/2020, UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020) and DigiAqua (PTDC/EEI-EEE/0415/2021), financed by national funds through the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation/MCTES (FCT I.P.).