January 22, 2007
Furukawa Electric has developed a sensing system based on lightwave polarization mode converter (PMC) [Note 1], which can sense various vibration/shock phenomena. Based on the lightwave PMC, the sensing system makes full use of the high-speed, long-distance transmission characteristics of optical fiber, and is applicable to remote monitoring of various vibration/shock phenomena including detection of falling rocks and avalanche of sand and stone as well as vibration monitoring of bridges and dams.
This product together with allied products will be exhibited at the 7th Fiber Optics EXPO (FOE 2007) to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from January 24 through 26, 2007.
Outline of the System
The lightwave PMC-based fiber optic vibration/shock sensing system developed here can detect, with fast response and high sensitivity, vibration and/or shock generated at remote structures and facilities. With this system, when the polarization state of lightwave propagating in an optical fiber fluctuates due to external forces (vibration/shock) on the fiber, the system detects such fluctuations and converts them into vibration/shock quantities using the lightwave PMC equipment.
Passive optical components are used in the remote equipment on-site to realize non-electric source operation of the system, and making the system configuration highly resistant against noise and lightning as well. The sensing system is applicable to remote monitoring of various vibration/shock phenomena including detection of falling rocks and avalanche of sand and stone as well as vibration monitoring of bridges and dams. Patents have been applied for.
Features and Performance
- Fast detection of vibration/shock using optical fiber
Fiber optic sensors are installed one- and two-dimensionally so as to match the topographic features of the site, thereby detecting generated vibration and/or shock. - Optical configuration using passive optical components makes the system resistant against noise and lightning, requiring no power supply
Passive optical components are used in the remote equipment on-site for optical detection and optical transmission, eliminating the need for any electric power source, and making the sensing system highly resistant against electrical noise and lightning strike. The detected signals for external forces such as vibration and/or shock are transmitted, after separated by the lightwave PMC equipment, through an optical communication channel over 30 km approximately without any power supply. - Maintenance is easy, enabling lower running costs
Since the fiber optic sensors need no reinstallation of optical fibers as long as the fibers are physically intact, the maintenance is easier and running costs are lower compared to conventional systems. - Existing optical fiber cables can be utilized as communication channel.
Existing optical fiber cables containing single mode optical fibers already installed along roads and rivers can be utilized as fiber optic communication channel.
Price and Potential Sales for Fiscal 2007
Lightwave PMC equipment
Price : Approximately 20 million yen per set
Potential sales : Several tens sets
Remark
This product together with allied products will be exhibited at the 7th Fiber Optics EXPO (FOE 2007) to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from January 24 through 26, 2007.
Supplement
- [Note 1] Lightwave polarization mode converter (PMC)
- This equipment enables detection of vibration/shock quantities by mode converting the polarization state of lightwave propagating in an optical fiber.
