Commercialization of interferometric interrogation techniques for fiber sensing applications

Abstract

Optiphase Inc. develops and manufactures fiber optic interferometric sensing and measurement systems. Principal activities involve the commercialization of this technology in two distinct categories: (1) interferometric demodulation; and (2) white-light coherence domain systems. Instead of focusing on specific end-use sensing systems, we have targeted commercialization of the elements of these systems involved with the interrogation of the sensors and accurate conversion of (optical) sensor information into electronic formats. The motivating concept is that commercialization of interrogators will address multiple markets with common designs, leading to cost reduction through higher volume manufacturing. This business approach pre-supposes that such standardization is acceptable to and meets the needs of the (fiber) sensing industry. This discussion reviews the commercialization efforts for the two interrogator categories.