Indigo Photonics details the Fiber Sensor Interrogator, an optical sensor system for measuring strain detected by optical fiber gratings

March 12, 2003

2 Min Read

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. -- Indigo Photonics released details today of a new optical sensor system for measuring strain detected by optical fiber gratings. The Fiber Sensor Interrogator (FSI) operates by transmitting and receiving light from a compact interrogation unit along an optical fiber, containing sensor gratings. A single fiber can be from metres to many kilometres and include multiple sensor gratings, along its length. The optical fiber sensor gratings are small, lightweight and need no electrical power for operation. This new sensor system addresses a wide range of markets, ranging from monitoring the structural health of tunnels & bridges to medical diagnostic applications. Chris Shannon, CEO of Indigo Photonics explains "We are aware of large segments of the sensing market that have spurned fiber optic sensors for many years due to the prohibitive cost, size and complexity of the monitoring and interrogation technology. By combining the fiber grating expertise of Indigo Photonics Ltd. with the high-performance semiconductor optical amplifier components from Kamelian Ltd. we've developed this system which delivers the price and performance the market has been looking for." At the heart of the system are the optical fiber sensor gratings and the compact optical interrogation unit. The fiber gratings can be readily tailored to different applications. The optical interrogation unit is a compact single card, based around a high performance semiconductor optical amplifier requiring only a computer and power to operate. The system benefits from incorporating no moving parts. Remotely monitored versions, which can be fitted in remote or inaccessible locations and provide measurement information over a wireless link, are in development. In a separate release: Indigo Photonics announced details today of an exclusive global agreement with Insensys for the distribution of its new Fiber Sensor Interrogator (FSI). Engineering teams from Insensys and Indigo have collaborated on the FSI development program to ensure that the commercial and technical requirements of Insensys' customers for a rugged, high performance and cost effective sensing system, are embodied within the new equipment. Insensys specializes in the application of fiber optic sensing solutions with clients in Wind Energy, Oil and Gas, Marine, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Martin Jones, Managing Director of Insensys comments, "This is a very significant step forward for us. Insensys has been focused on developing practical application techniques for FBG sensors in a wide variety of operating environments. To date, the main drawback inhibiting widespread implementation of the technology has predominantly been due to the interrogation equipment in the system. Indigo has done an excellent job of incorporating our demanding requirements for high performance, durability in the most hostile operating environments and realistic cost. The new FSI technology will help us bring the significant benefits of fiber optic sensing to the mass market. Indigo has a wealth of development expertise combined with an excellent track record of delivery and so they are a natural choice of partner for Insensys." Indigo Photonics Ltd.

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