Turn light into valuable data.

PhotonFirst is a pioneer in next-generation fiber optic sensing solutions. Our mission is to empower our customers with the data they need to make informed decisions about their assets. We combine precise fiber optic sensors with our patented chip-based interrogators to deliver accurate, reliable, and scalable solutions that enable a paradigm shift in the sensing world.

What is Fiber Optic Sensing?

PhotonFirst's innovative fiber optic sensors use the power of light to measure a wide range of physical properties, simultaneously. By analyzing changes in light signals, our sensors provide precise data on parameters such as temperature, pressure, strain, and so on. This enables our customers to make informed decisions and optimize their operations and asset management.

Our technology measures

STRAIN

Our fiber optic systems measure strain in various assets by analyzing the associated wavelength shift of FBGs (Fiber Bragg Gratings), allowing for sub-microstrain resolution sensing with a footprint of <0.1 mm².

TEMPERATURE

We can measure temperatures down to -270 °C and up to 800 °C by analyzing the FBG wavelength shifts caused by temperature-induced changes in the length of our optical fibers.

pressure

By integrating our fiber optic sensors in pressure-sensitive transducers, we can measure pressures up to 700 bar. As our sensors consist of passive optical fibers without electronics, they are intrinsically safe for explosive environments.

vibration

Fiber optic vibration sensors offer high readout frequency, are EMI proof, and daisy-chainable allowing for up to 100 sensors in a single fiber, achieving scalable vibration measurement systems with a minimum of cable management.

ACCELERATION

Using miniature mass-spring-damper systems, we can convert accelerations to strains measurable by our fiber optic systems. This allows for acceleration measurements in even the harshest (nuclear) environments.

shape

By integrating multiple optical fibers in a single asset, we can use the differences in the measured strains to reconstruct the changing shape of this asset in real-time. This allows for animated visualisation of changes too.

The advantages of Fiber Optic Sensing and Photonic Integrated Circuits

FIBER OPTIC SENSING

Efficiency in harsh conditions, hot or cold conditions and in high pressure environments
Intrinsically ATEX safe
Multipoint sensing on one fiber, reducing cables, weight and installation time
Fibers can be embedded in structures/composites, maintaining strucral integrity
High resolution measurement, accurate data