Fiber Optic Sensor
Over the last three years in particular, the use of fiber optic sensors across many different industries has increased dramatically. There are a couple of primary reasons for this spike in usage. The need has become greater thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased security concerns. In parallel, fiber optic technology has continued to improve. These two trends together have created a perfect storm of demand.
Why have fiber optic sensors overtaken traditional sensors in recent years? These types of sensors, also known as Fiber Bragg Grating or FBG sensors, offer several advantages that are significant. Here are just a few such advantages over traditional sensors.
FBGs Are Accurate at Long Distances
Fiber optic sensors can function over 25 kilometers, a much farther distance than traditional sensors can achieve. Accuracy is not impacted by the distance, and no additional boost amplifiers are required to create this functionality.
Unceasing FBG Service
Whether you are using a fiber optic sensor for pressure measurement, a fiber optic pressure sensor, a fiber optic temperature sensor, or a fiber optic strain sensor, you will not have to worry about the sensor stopping due to electromagnetic interruptions or power outages. FBGs do not work on electricity so power outages do not impact them. It is a tremendous advantage to know that your sensors are going to be working 24/7 regardless of the conditions they are exposed to, no matter what specific application you are using them for.
Fiber Optic FBG Integration
FBGs are versatile. They can be integrated externally into existing structures or they can be embedded into new construction. In either case, it is essential to place the gauges precisely where they need to be and to ensure their orientation is correct. If you partner with FiberStrike for your FBGs, they manufacture a variety of gauge types including foil, free filament, semiconductor, and fiber optic, and these gauges are also available in different configurations and sizes.
Applications for Fiber Optic FBG Sensors
Because fiber optic sensors are so reliable and accurate, they are increasingly being used for a wide variety of applications across many different industries. Some of these applications include:
- Perimeter and Facility Physical Security: While this can mean preventing intrusion at a data center, these kinds of sensors also increased in usage during COVID-19 when social distance was essential.
- Structural Health Monitoring: Make sure a building, a dam, or a bridge is in ideal shape at all times, and be alerted as soon as anything is amiss.
- Medical Equipment Monitoring: Open/Close monitoring is ideal for healthcare facilities, but it also can be used in medical devices that measure strain, temperature, or vibration.
FiberStrike by Cleveland Electric Laboratories is your ideal source for FBGs. The company has been in the FBG business for many years and is AS9100-D certified. The company has built a reputation for building the most accurate and precise FGB sensors in the industry. Contact them today to discuss your fiber optic sensor needs.