  We propose a compressed sampling and dictionary learning framework for
fiber-optic sensing using wavelength-tunable lasers. A redundant dictionary is
generated from a model for the reflected sensor signal. Imperfect prior
knowledge is considered in terms of uncertain local and global parameters. To
estimate a sparse representation and the dictionary parameters, we present an
alternating minimization algorithm that is equipped with a pre-processing
routine to handle dictionary coherence. The support of the obtained sparse
signal indicates the reflection delays, which can be used to measure
impairments along the sensing fiber. The performance is evaluated by
simulations and experimental data for a fiber sensor system with common core
architecture.
