Development of an optical fibers displacement sensor for applications in tiltmetry and seismology
Monitoring crustal deformation during the interseismic phase when searching for earth transients requires precise instruments able to operate for very long periods. The ANR-LINES project aimed to develop three new instruments: a single-axis seismometer, a hydrostatic long base tiltmeter and a borehole pendulum tiltmeter. These three instruments benefit of an extrinsic Fabry-Pérot interferometer (EFFPI) with long optic fibers for displacement detections. Their mechanical architectures and their disposal of long fibers help these newly manufactured geophysical instruments complete their goals. The first objective of this study is to propose appropriate methods for estimating the phase of the optical path in the Fabry-Pérot cavities. A modulation of the laser diode current, followed by a homodyne demodulation of the interference signal and a Kalman filter, allow determining the phase in real time. The results are convincingwhile taking short periods measurements but require additional solutions for protection against environmental phenomena variations. The EFFPI sensor integrated in the LINES borehole tiltmeter gives it the opportunity to establish a differential measurement of the bob's oscillation thanks to three Fabry-Perot cavities. The LINES seismometer also uses the EFFPI displacement sensor to measure its coil's displacement. A description of the two instruments' mechanical structures and an analysis of the detected phenomena (slow movements, tides, earthquakes, microseisms . . . ) are part of this thesis.