Turn light into valuable data.

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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.

FBG Sensor
FBG Interrogator
Software
PIC Packaging (1)

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

Measure strain with fiber optic sensing

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.

Measure temperature with fiber optic sensing

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.

Measure pressure with fiber optic sensing

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.

Measure vibration with fiber optic sensing

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. 

Measure acceleration with fiber optic sensing

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.

Measure shape changes with fiber optic sensing

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
PIC Package services of PhotonFirst

PHOTONIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

  • Enables reliable operations in dynamic environments (shock & vibration)
  • Enables compact, smaller size interrogators
  • Enables volume production and low cost systems

Markets & applications

Fiber optic sensing in Aerospace & defense

Aerospace & defense

Real-time data for improved structural health monitoring, enhanced predictive maintenance, and superior safety.

Railway track switch monitoring with fiber optic sensing

Railway

Real-time monitoring leading to improved track maintenance, faster response times, and reduced operational costs.

Fiber optic sensing in Industry & manufacturing

Industry & manufacturing

Accuracy and reliability enabling you to optimize production processes, improve quality control, and minimize downtime.

Maritime

Maritime & offshore

Precise monitoring for hull health, condition-based maintenance of machinery and subsea assets. 

Energy sector

Wind energy

Real-time blade health monitoring in wind turbines, leak detection in pipelines, and condition monitoring in power grids.

Medical industry

Medical

Enhanced surgical precision and safety reducing tissue damage and enabling further automation of surgical tools.

WHO WE WORK WITH

Partners & customers