In 2005 Micron Optics developed an FBG interrogator capable of sampling a single FBG at 500kHz or up to four FBGs at 100kHz. It was not an official product, but an Alpha prototype meant as a technology demonstration platform. We expected to sell just a few.

Since then we’ve sold dozens of these si920 Optical Sensing Interrogators. Applications have ranged from blast tests and ballistic impact tests to analysis of vibration in medical devices when exposed to MRI energy and the propagation of sonic energy in composite panels used on spacecraft.

It’s clear to us that there is a need for this type of measurement tool. No other technology (that we know of) can make such high speed (500kHz) high resolution strain measurements (0.02microstrain) in harsh electromagnetic environments.

We’re interested in feedback from you on how we might proceed with formal product development. For example, higher sampling rates in the MHz are possible with more advanced DAQ technology. More sensors per instrument, and accommodating more sensors per fiber are also feasible. What are your applications? What instrument configuration might work best for you?

si920 Datasheet

Tom Graver
Vice President, Optical Sensing

Glossary of Terms:
DAQ = Data Acquisition
MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging
FBG = Fiber Bragg Grating