Seismic-frequency attenuation and moduli estimates using a fiber-optic strainmeter

We have developed a fiber-optic strainmeter to estimate velocities and attenuation at seismic frequencies. The two main advantages of the new system compared to strain gage techniques are the higher sensitivity to deformations (moduli) and phase lags (attenuation), and that estimates are representative of bulk values. While stress-strain measurements using strain gages or ultrasonic wave propagation sample only part of the core sample, the fiber-optic strainmeter would analyze the rock sample response to an applied stress as a whole. Still, the system is under development and the first experiment on a Plexiglas sample showed that attenuation estimates are more robust than deformation estimates due to difficulties with light intensity. Initial rock measurements are made on a dolomite sample.