#USA #San Francisco #OFS #DataSens #Photonics West

OFS Unveils DataSens™ Enhanced Optical Fiber

At the prestigious Photonics West 2025, OFS, a leader in optical fiber technology, introduced its latest innovation: the DataSens Enhanced Sensing Optical Fiber. This significant advancement in distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technology promises to enhance the clarity and sensitivity of data collection in a variety of applications, enabling longer reach and higher accuracy in sensing systems.

Overcoming Challenges in DFOS

Traditional fiber optic systems often struggle with noise interference and reduced range, particularly when enhanced fibers are used. Dr. Paul Westbrook, Technical Manager at OFS Labs, explained, "The accuracy of DFOS scales with the amount of signal collected from the optical fiber." With DataSens, users can experience over 10 times the backscattered signal compared to standard fibers, while maintaining low attenuation levels at or below 0.3 dB/km. This combination allows for more accurate readings from greater distances, eliminating the need for expensive signal amplification.

Compatibility and Flexibility

DataSens is designed to be easily integrated into existing systems. It is splice compatible with G.657.A2 fiber and works well with various cable types, providing a simple installation process for users monitoring infrastructure, equipment vibrations, and pipeline conditions. The innovation in this fiber comes from enhancing backscatter capabilities, which go beyond the conventional Rayleigh backscatter known in the industry. This enhancement is integral to accurately observing changes in vibration within a DFOS setup.

Dr. Westbrook further noted that traditional discrete sensing arrays often face limitations around gauge length and attenuation. In contrast, DataSens offers nearly continuous backscatter enhancement across lengths ranging from 100 meters to over 10 kilometers. This feature allows for sensor gauge lengths of any size while also permitting enhanced backscatter signals to be confined to specific bandwidths, facilitating co-propagation with other telecom signals within the same fiber.

A Game-Changer in Sensing Technology

With DataSens, OFS is addressing common trade-offs between signal fidelity and fiber length. This pioneering solution permits the extension of sensing networks further without sacrificing data quality.

Participants at Photonics West are encouraged to gain firsthand insights into this innovative technology through an exclusive session hosted by OFS Industrial Sensing Market Manager, Regina Pynn. The session titled Sensing with DataSens Enhanced Optical Fiber is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST in Demo Area 2 (Hall D).

Regina Pynn remarked, "DataSens is more than just an engineered optical fiber—it's a transformative tool that enables intelligent sensing systems to deliver high-quality data with unprecedented precision."

Conclusion

Attendees eager to learn more about the DataSens technology are invited to visit OFS at Booth #4505 during the event. For those unable to attend, additional details, including product specifications and possible applications, can be found on the OFS website at www.ofsoptics.com/datasens.

About OFS

OFS is recognized globally as an innovator and manufacturer in communication networks and specialty fiber optic products. A subsidiary of Furukawa Electric Group, OFS is committed to delivering sustainable solutions across various sectors, including telecommunications and industrial networking. Based in Norcross, Georgia, OFS continues to set benchmarks in optical communication technologies.