Sensors based on optical fibres use optical signals for extremely sensitive measurement of strain, pressure and vibration. There are many opportunities for optical fibres in acoustic applications, such as in medical diagnostics and detecting cracks in composites and concrete. With existing sensors this is impossible due to limited measurement frequency. In project CHAOS new technology is being developed that opens the door for the next generation of acoustic optical sensors.

Technology

The research of project CHAOS includes both the development of an experimental acoustic fibre sensor and the development of a calibration facility to characterise this sensor. This involves investigating new instrumentation for optical sensors that uses a combination of RF electronics and advanced optical elements to detect extremely small changes in optical wavelength. The calibration facility is based on an extremely stable dual laser interferometer that is being expanded to be able to detect vibrations very accurately up to high frequencies.

Results

By using the calibration facility, the acoustic performance of the experimental fibre sensor can be fully mapped. The results of this research will make clear how well the experimental sensor fits the demand from the market. In project CHAOS important insights are gained that are crucial to take both new optical sensors and high-frequency displacement metrology to a higher level.

Collaboration

Project CHAOS is a collaboration between Lionite, Sol Photonics and VSL. Lionite is a developer of advanced electronic instruments and contributes to this project with the realization of the experimental fiber optic sensor. Sol Photonics supplies software for simulation of optical fiber sensors and plays an important role in this project in the development of the required optical elements. VSL is the National Metrology Institute of The Netherlands. VSL contributes to this project with the development of a traceable calibration facility for the characterization of the fiber optic sensor.