Fibre Optic Methods of Prospecting: A Comprehensive and Modern Branch of Geophysics

Abstract Over the past decades, development of fibre optic cables, which pass light waves carrying data guided by total internal reflection, has led to advances in high-speed and long-distance communication, large transmission, optical imaging, sensing applications. Thus far, sensors (FOSs) have primarily been employed engineering, biomedicine, basic sciences, with few reports their usage geophysics as point distributed sensors. This work aimed at reviewing studies on use FOSs geophysical applications fundamental principles technological improvements. based Rayleigh, Brillouin, Raman scatterings Bragg grating are reviewed performance comprising range, spatial resolution, measurement parameters. The recent progress applying detect acoustic, temperature, pressure, strain changes, either single or multiple parameters simultaneously surface borehole survey environments cable deployment techniques, systematically reviewed. Despite sensor technology corresponding experimental geophysics, there not attempts summarise synthesise methods for prospecting a comprehensive modern branch geophysics. Therefore, this paper outlines methods, an emphasis advantages, guide community. potential new outlined revolutionise conventional approaches is discussed. Finally, future challenges limitations elucidated.