dfos

New from Chilas, a Dutch laser manufacturer founded in 2018, specialising in ultra-narrow linewidth external cavity lasers (ECLs) with wide tuneability. After four years of dedicated research, development, and collaboration, Chilas has introduced three new laser systems - Atlas, Comet, and Polaris - to address critical demands in quantum sensing, LiDAR, telecommunications, and biomedical imaging.

Maintaining track integrity and predicting potential failures before they occur remains a critical challenge. Traditional monitoring methods often provide limited data points and necessitate extensive manual inspection. However, a groundbreaking technology is transforming this landscape: Nerve-Sensors, fibre optic strain and displacement sensors. These innovative monitoring solutions are revolutionising how railway operators approach track safety, maintenance scheduling, and infrastructure investment decisions.

This year, we’ve seen several new and innovative laser systems enter the market. One notable example is the team at indie, in partnership with a III-V fab, who developed a proprietary DFB laser diode design centred at 1550 nm. This design provides over 150 mW of output power and features significant improvements in linewidth and modulation response compared to standard DFB lasers, combining exceptional performance with cost-effectiveness.

Today we’re exploring fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) and optical filters with Marc-André Laliberté, Product Line Manager at TeraXion. With decades of experience in optical communications, TeraXion is a leading player in designing and manufacturing components that enhance fibre optic systems across diverse applications. This post will go over the fundamental principles, practical applications, and design considerations that render FBG-based optical filters an indispensable technology in the contemporary photonic realm.

Fibre optic sensing technology, particularly through FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensor systems, has expanded what’s possible for measuring and gathering data in many industries. This post looks at PhotonFirst's cutting-edge ASPIC (Application Specific Photonic Integrated Circuit) technology delivers unparalleled precision across high-tech manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, medical instrumentation, and automotive testing.

PhotonFirst, headquartered in the dynamic city of Alkmaar, the Netherlands, is a team of approximately 40 professionals dedicated to advancing novel sensing technologies. By leveraging the capabilities of integrated photonics, they are developing compact, high-performance sensing solutions tailored to diverse applications. With a unique combination of research, development, and application-centric expertise, PhotonFirst is pleased to collaborate with AusOptic to introduce their sensing solutions to the Australian market.

Why it is better to use DFOS sensors for strain measurements? There’s some confusion in the terminology when "Sensing cables" and "fibre optic sensors" are used interchangeably, leading to misconceptions about their functions and differences. It’s important to choose the right type of fibre sensor for your application, choosing the wrong measurement tools can compromise experiments and limit the success of structure health monitoring in construction projects.

See how Nerve-Sensors used EpsilonRebar Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology to monitor the structural integrity of a major skyscraper project in downtown Warsaw, Poland. The deployment demonstrates how advanced strain and crack monitoring solutions can provide critical structural health information throughout the construction process, particularly in challenging urban environments where building foundations interact with existing infrastructure.

Fibre optic cables, the cornerstone of transoceanic digital communication, do more than just send data across oceans. These cables can function as extensive sensor arrays, capable of monitoring oceanic phenomena. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology creates new methods for measuring acoustic signatures and seismic vibrations along the seafloor.

Advanced distributed sensing revolutionises industrial monitoring by delivering precise, continuous monitoring capabilities. Distributed sensing (DS) systems enable operators to swiftly identify faults, expedite repairs, and minimise downtime. Engineered with reliable data transmission systems, DS technologies are poised to surpass traditional monitoring solutions.