Optical temperature measurement allows real time remote monitoring of temperature changes along fiber optic cable

Atlanta - October 28, 2010 - Micron Optics, Inc., a leading provider of innovative equipment for fiber optic sensing and laser imaging, today announces their os4400 Temperature Sensing Cable. This cable addresses a growing need for durable, low-cost temperature sensing in areas with limited access, such as tunnels, bridges, mines, downhole and other applications where distributed measurements are needed at specific points over long distances.

The os4400 is based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor technology, a well proven and widely adopted method of measuring strain and temperature. What sets this cable apart is its ruggedness. Small individual FBG-based sensors are integrated in series in a steel reinforced cable. This cable can withstand rough treatment during installation and is designed to last for decades in harsh environments.

Individual sensing points are traceable to NIST standards and never need calibration. Both sensor response time and sensor accuracy are an order of magnitude better than with other fiber optic sensors, and the os4400 can operate in high electromagnetic fields and corrosive environments where electrical sensors fail. Also, the sensor cable is totally passive and is designed for use in explosive environments.

In a tunnel fire monitoring application, for example, response time is key. The os4400 coupled with the proper Micron Optics instrumentation and software can detect significant changes of temperature in a fraction of a second – much faster than with other technologies – precious time for motorists to get to safety and officials to respond.

Tom Graver, Vice President of Optical Sensing at Micron Optics stated, “For a long time our customers have been asking for a product like the os4400. What we’ve delivered fills a niche for temperature measurements over distances of less than two kilometers – and this can be coupled with other measurements like strain, displacement and pressure on the same fiber network. The durability and ease of installation of the os4400 meet key requirements for many applications.”

Micron Optics os4400 temperature sensing cables are available immediately. For more information, please contact us directly at info(at)micronoptics(dot)com.

About Micron Optics, Inc.
Micron Optics’ optical sensing and imaging products make impossible measurements possible, revealing new, critical information for infrastructure, energy, transportation, medical and industrial sectors. Since 1990, Micron Optics has been expanding its core capabilities from tunable optical components and leading-edge instrumentation and software, to complete optical sensing systems. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Micron Optics is a privately held company. For more information, visit http://www.micronoptics.com.