Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) Solutions Guide

Fibre optic sensing technology represents one of the most significant advancements in modern monitoring systems. Unlike conventional electrical sensors, fibre optic sensors leverage light to detect changes in their environment, offering unprecedented advantages in sensitivity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, durability in harsh conditions, and the ability to provide distributed measurements along extensive lengths.

DFOS Solutions at AusOptic

Understanding Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS)

What is DFOS?

Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) transforms ordinary optical fibres into sophisticated linear sensors capable of measuring physical parameters such as temperature, strain, vibration, and acoustic signals continuously along the entire length of the fibre. Unlike traditional point sensors that provide measurements at discrete locations, DFOS delivers thousands of simultaneous measurement points, creating a complete profile of the monitored asset or environment.

Core DFOS Technologies

Fibre Sensing Solutions Guide

AusOptic provides a spectrum of fibre optic sensing technologies to meet the monitoring needs of many different industries. Our solutions encompass cost-effective sensing fibres to state-of-the-art measurement instruments, integrating cutting-edge hardware with sophisticated analytics software to generate actionable insights derived from your sensing data.

Luna Innovations

The team at Luna is highly respected for their groundbreaking research in fiber optic test applications. The company has received international acclaim for its work in several cutting-edge technologies, including high-resolution optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), distributed fiber optic sensing, and terahertz measuring technologies. Luna offers a range of high-definition fiber optic sensing (HD-FOS) products designed for use across multiple markets and applications.

Luna ODiSI 7100 Series

The flagship Luna ODiSI (Optical Distributed Sensor Interrogator) 7100 Series represents the pinnacle of high-definition fibre optic sensing technology for strain and temperature monitoring. With thousands of sensing points per meter, the ODiSI 7100 provides unprecedented spatial resolution for applications requiring detailed strain mapping and temperature profiling.

• High-accuracy temperature and strain measurements
• Robust packaging for industrial environments
• Various form factors for different installation requirements
• Long-term stability and reliability
• Compatibility with multiple interrogation systems

The wide range of applications include oil and gas infrastructure monitoring, power generation and distribution, chemical and process industries, transportation infrastructure, and civil engineering applications.

View more on the Luna ODiSI 7100 Series

Luna Strain and Temperature Sensors

Luna's portfolio of fiber optic sensors offers specialized solutions for strain and temperature monitoring across various applications. A key advantage of HD-FOS over fiber Bragg grating systems is the use of standard, unaltered fiber cable, resulting in lower-cost sensors, beneficial for consumable applications. Additionally, the gauge's length and spacing are user-configurable through software, providing exceptional flexibility for instrumenting test articles. 

• Ultra-high spatial resolution down to 0.65mm
• Measurement rates up to 250 Hz
• Strain measurement range of ±12,000 µε
• Temperature measurement capability from -40°C to 200°C
• Support for fibre lengths up to 50 meters

The applications of our fibre sensing solutions include aerospace and automotive component testing, composite material characterisation, structural health monitoring of critical infrastructure, research and development of advanced materials, and validation of finite element models.

Contact the team to discuss the most cost effective fibre sensors for your application

Nerve-Sensors Technology

Nerve-Sensors offers revolutionary distributed sensing solutions that transform how industries monitor strain, displacement, and structural integrity. Their innovative approach to fibre optic sensing delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability in challenging environments.

Epsilon Strain Sensors

Epsilon strain sensors provide continuous, high-resolution strain measurements along the entire sensor length. Unlike traditional sensing cables, these monolithic DFOS sensors are specifically engineered for direct strain transfer, ensuring accurate measurements without the limitations of layered cable designs.

• True strain measurement without the limitations of layered sensing cables
• Superior strain transfer efficiency
• High spatial resolution
• Robust design for long-term deployment
• Compatible with multiple interrogation technologies

The applications include railway track monitoring, bridge and structural health assessment, geotechnical monitoring, pipeline integrity management, and dam and levee safety monitoring.

View more on the Epsilon Strain Sensors

Epsilon Rebar Sensors

The Epsilon Rebar sensors represent a groundbreaking approach to monitoring reinforced concrete structures. By integrating fibre optic sensing directly with reinforcement bars, these sensors provide unprecedented insight into the internal strain distribution within concrete structures.

• Direct integration with reinforcement structures
• Continuous strain monitoring throughout the rebar length
• Early detection of concrete cracking and deterioration
• Compatible with standard construction practices
• Long-term monitoring capability

The applications include high-rise building construction monitoring, critical infrastructure assessment, tunnel lining instrumentation, bridge deck and pier monitoring, and foundation health assessment.

View Epsilon Rebar Sensors

PhotonFirst Sensing Systems

PhotonFirst leverages cutting-edge integrated photonics to deliver compact, high-performance fibre sensing solutions. Their innovative approach combines miniaturised optical components with sophisticated signal processing to create versatile and powerful measurement systems.

GTR FBG Sensing System

The GTR (General-purpose Temperature and strain Readout) system offers reliable interrogation of Fibre Bragg Grating sensors for a wide range of applications requiring precise temperature and strain measurements at multiple discrete points.

• Multi-channel capability for distributed sensing networks
• High sampling rates for dynamic measurements
• Compact, robust design for industrial environments
• User-friendly software interface
• Flexible configuration options

The applications include industrial process monitoring, civil infrastructure assessment, energy sector applications, transportation infrastructure monitoring, and research and development.

View more on the GTR FBG Sensing System

SGTR FBG Sensing System

The SGTR (Specialised General-purpose Temperature and strain Readout) represents PhotonFirst's advanced FBG interrogation platform, featuring enhanced performance specifications and expanded capabilities for demanding applications.

• ASPIC (Application Specific Photonic Integrated Circuit) technology
• Superior wavelength resolution
• Expanded measurement range
• Enhanced dynamic performance
• Advanced data processing capabilities

The applications include high-precision manufacturing monitoring, aerospace and aviation testing, medical instrumentation, automotive performance testing, and advanced research applications.

More about the SGTR FBG Sensing System

VIAVI Portable Distributed Temperature and Strain Sensing

VIAVI is the sole provider of portable distributed temperature and strain sensing (DTSS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) solutions with OTDR functionalities. Using Brillouin-OTDR and Raman-OTDR technologies, users can validate optical fiber sensors before measurements. DTSS, based on Brillouin OTDR, measures temperature and strain simultaneously via Brillouin scattering. It is crucial for applications where temperature and mechanical stress are vital, such as structural health monitoring of bridges, dams, and large infrastructure.

VIAVI Portable DTSS Interrogator Brillouin OTDR (BOTDR)

Using a portable device such as the T-BERD/MTS-8000 platform platform with a DTS or DTSS module, an inspector can conduct field measurements on fibres. This solution is ideal for on-site inspections and allows for flexibility in testing various locations.The VIAVI DTSS interrogator utilises Brillouin OTDR (BOTDR) technology. In this process, a short pulse of light is launched into the fibre, which serves as a fibre optic sensor.

• High-accuracy temperature and strain measurements
• Available in battery powered portable version or efficient rack-able configuration with remote connectivity
• Fibre characterisation with B-OTDR reveals fibre strain and elongation or temperature.
• Ensure installations are done correctly without strain.
• Reduce and reverse cable strain by locating and releasing it before it breaks the cable or reduces the cable life using the portable DTSS.

Suited for applications including pipeline monitoring, telecommunications cable strain testing for manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, power cable monitoring, and structural health monitoring (SHM).

View more on VIAVI DTSS

Industry Applications of Fibre Optic Sensing

Civil Infrastructure

Fibre optic sensing technologies provide unprecedented insight into the health and performance of bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings. By continuously monitoring strain, temperature, and vibration, these systems enable condition-based maintenance strategies, extend infrastructure lifespans, and enhance public safety.

Case Study: Warsaw Skyscraper Monitoring

Nerve-Sensors' EpsilonRebar technology was deployed to monitor the structural integrity of a major skyscraper project in downtown Warsaw, Poland. The system provided critical strain and crack monitoring throughout the construction process, particularly in challenging urban environments where building foundations interact with existing infrastructure.

Read the case study

Railway Monitoring

Traditional railway monitoring methods provide limited data points and require extensive manual inspection. Fibre optic sensing transforms this approach by delivering continuous, real-time data on track conditions, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing safety.

Case Study: Revolutionary Railway Monitoring with Nerve-Sensors

Nerve-Sensors' fibre optic strain and displacement sensors have revolutionized how railway operators approach track safety, maintenance scheduling, and infrastructure investment decisions. The technology enables early detection of track deformation, rail stress, and potential failure points before they become critical issues.

Read the case study

Energy and Utilities

In the energy sector, fibre optic sensing provides crucial monitoring capabilities for power lines, pipelines, and renewable energy infrastructure. These systems detect leaks, intrusions, and structural issues before they escalate into failures or environmental incidents.

Case Study: IPL's Utility Infrastructure Protection

Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) leveraged Luna OptaSense's fibre-optic sensing technology for early detection and accurate location of faults in utility infrastructure. The system minimised labor hours, reduced cable damage, and improved public safety through continuous monitoring of critical power distribution assets.

Read the case study

Environmental Monitoring

Fibre optic sensing plays an increasingly important role in environmental monitoring, from groundwater assessment to carbon capture verification and seismic activity detection.

Case Study: CO2 Storage Monitoring with Luna Carina Sensing System

The Luna Carina Sensing System was deployed for ongoing CO2 storage monitoring in Otway, Australia. This cutting-edge far-offset VSP (Vertical Seismic Profiling) survey provided high-resolution data for advancing Australia's efforts in deep geological storage of carbon dioxide.

Read the case study

Telecommunications and Subsea Applications

The global network of submarine fibre optic cables can serve as extensive sensor arrays for oceanic monitoring, transforming communication infrastructure into valuable scientific instruments.

Solutions Spotlight: Oceanic Monitoring with DAS

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology applied to submarine fibre optic cables has created new methods for measuring acoustic signatures and seismic vibrations along the seafloor, enabling ocean scientists to "listen" across vast distances with unprecedented detail.

Read the case study

The Future of Fibre Optic Sensing

The field of fibre optic sensing continues to evolve rapidly, with several emerging trends poised to expand its capabilities and applications:

1. Integration with AI and Machine Learning

Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms are increasingly being applied to fibre sensing data, enabling automated pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive insights that transform raw measurements into actionable intelligence.

2. Miniaturisation and Integrated Photonics

Companies like PhotonFirst are pioneering the integration of photonic components into compact chips, dramatically reducing the size, cost, and power requirements of fibre sensing systems while enhancing their performance.

3. Multi-Parameter Sensing

Next-generation fibre sensing systems will increasingly offer simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters through a single fibre, providing comprehensive environmental or structural monitoring from a unified platform.

4. Edge Computing Integration

Distributed processing capabilities at the sensor level will enable real-time analysis and decision-making without the need to transmit vast quantities of raw data to central servers, enhancing response times and reducing bandwidth requirements.

DFOS Solutions at AusOptic

Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology represents a paradigm shift in monitoring and managing critical infrastructure, industrial processes, and environmental conditions. By transforming ordinary optical fibres into sophisticated, continuous sensing arrays, DFOS provides insights that were previously inaccessible with conventional monitoring methods.

At AusOptic, we are committed to offering the most advanced fibre sensing solutions available. We collaborate with global technology leaders such as Luna, Nerve-Sensors, and PhotonFirst to bring these revolutionary capabilities to the Australian market. Our team of specialists collaborates closely with clients to design, implement, and support fibre sensing systems tailored to their specific monitoring challenges.

Whether you are monitoring critical infrastructure, optimising industrial processes, conducting advanced research, or addressing environmental challenges, AusOptic’s comprehensive range of fibre sensing solutions provides the precision, reliability, and coverage necessary to make informed decisions and achieve superior outcomes.

Contact our team today to discuss how our fibre sensing technologies can transform your monitoring capabilities and unlock new possibilities for your organisation.