fibre sensing

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.

In a recent episode of 'Following the Photons', Justine Murphy from Laser Focus World interviewed Andres Chavarria, Senior Data Scientist at Luna OptiSense, exploring the transformative applications of fibre optics as environmental sensors. Initially conceived as a tool for seismic detection, fibre optics has evolved into a multifaceted technology with the potential to revolutionise various industries, including energy, agriculture, aerospace, and marine ecology.

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.

How the Silixa Carina Sensing System is being used for ongoing CO2 storage monitoring in Otway, Australia. This cutting-edge far-offset VSP survey provides high-resolution data for advancing Australia's efforts in deep geological storage of carbon dioxide.

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.

Luna leverages the speed and accuracy of light to deliver continuous and precise tracking of temperature fluctuations and strain patterns across extensive distances or expansive surfaces.

How the Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) leveraged Luna OptaSense's fibre-optic sensing technology for early detection and accurate location of faults in utility infrastructure. Minimise labor hours, reduce cable damage, and improve public safety.

How the EXFO OTH-7000 and Remote Fibre Testing and Monitoring (RFTM) can help data centres ensure optimal performance and reliability. Continuously monitor critical links, manage fibre SLAs, automate alerting, and reduce MTTR (Mean Time To Repair). With RFTM, data centre operators can proactively identify and address issues before they impact performance. Get real-time monitoring of critical links, allowing operators to quickly detect and resolve any potential problems.

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.

A look at EXFO Remote Fibre Testing and Monitoring (RFTM) solutions for 5G Fronthaul Architecture. Ensure optimal performance and integrity of next-gen RF networks with advanced tools and techniques. Minimise downtime and maximise efficiency in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

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.

How EXFO's Remote Fibre Test and Monitoring system is transforming Australia's national broadband network management. Discover the impact on real-time monitoring, fault detection, and network maintenance.