Not really, but what follows is a fun article by a key Micron Optics Integrator, INFAP, in Germany. Applications like these often rely on integrators’ ingenuity in packaging FBGs for a particular purpose. If you have a measurement challenge in mind but fear that proper sensors do not exist, installation might be tricky, or the environment might be too harsh, contact us. Our systems integrators, like INFAP, may have the answers you need.

- Tom Graver

Sculpture Mae West with INFAP measuring technology
Or: Measurement technology can be so sexy
by INFAP

Mae (Mary Jane) West (1893-1980),an American actress and screenwriter, was one of the top film stars of the 1930s. In early 2011, a monument for the actress was completed in Munich at the Effnerplatz. The sculpture was designed by the artist Rita McBride and consists of a 52 m high construction of 32 carbon fiber enhancing plastic pipes and weighs approximately 200 tonnes. At the lower level the Paraboloid consists of CFK jacketed steel tubes. The sculpture was completed on 30 January 2011

In cooperation with the Munich-based engineering firm Zilch & Mülle, Infap has developed a novel sensor, the IFSS 2085 to monitor the state of the building on a long term basis. The screw sensor is based on fiber optic sensor technology. Physical properties such as acceleration, strain, pressure or temperature changes can be measured and transmitted optically with light waves.

The measurement approach includes screw sensors, strain sensors, temperature sensors and acceleration sensors that supply fiber optic measurement data from the respective sectors. The signals are captured by a small optical interrogation unit, the Micron Optics sm130. Structural changes can then be detected very precisely.

About INFAP:
INFAP GmbH is offering industrial fiber optical applications. INFAP is active with its fibre optic measurement systems in various branches and industries. Based on the “know how” of the employees INFAP GmbH can draw experience in the optical field of over 25 years. INFAP GmbH offers standard fiber optic measurement systems as well as customized application-specific systems for their customers.