Revolutionizing Measurement: The Power of Photons

Michael Haverdings

Michael Haverdings from PhotonFirst shares an exciting vision for the future of precision sensing using a chip-based technology for fiber optic sensing. With a blend of mature industry experience and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, PhotonFirst is pioneering the way in high-precision sensing across various sectors. Here's a closer look at the insights Michael shared in his conversation with Edwin Vlems.

Precise Measurement

 

Topics to be discussed

 

How does PhotonFirst add value to the industry?

"PhotonFirst is a combination of a very mature company that's spent a lot of time in the industry of high precision sensing and has this entrepreneurial young spirit to be innovative. I've been with the company for over 12 and a half years, working in a lot of different roles. But it all boils down to understanding what needs to be measured to provide a break through solution," Michael begins. He highlights the innovative spirit at PhotonFirst, driven by the challenge of finding new applications in the world and developing creative solutions to solve real-world problems using fiber optics and integrated photonics.

What makes PhotonFirst stand out in the field of precision sensing?

Michael emphasizes the unique approach PhotonFirst takes toward solving problems. "It's about finding a way to breakthrough the current state of art," he explains. When traditional electronic sensors fail due to high electrical fields, for instance, PhotonFirst uses fiber optics to build solutions that break through existing barriers, offering clients data they couldn't access before. In other applications it could be a significant reduction in the cost of ownership. This creative problem-solving process, combined with the versatility of integrated photonics technology, allows PhotonFirst to cater to a wide range of industries, from medical and offshore to space and luxury yachts.

Can you mention some applications where photons can be used effectively?

"Fiber optics can be used all around the world, in any field," Michael states. He describes how PhotonFirst has encountered applications across diverse sectors, demonstrating the universal applicability of fiber optic sensing technology. The potential for photon technology is vast and varied.

What role do Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) play at PhotonFirst?

FBGs and PICs are at the core of PhotonFirst's sensing solutions. Michael elaborates on how FBGs allows for precise strain and temperature measurements, offering a grid sensing approach that provides more information than traditional (single point) sensors. Similarly, PICs, with their small form factor, enable the robust miniaturization of sensing devices, making them ideal for use in constrained environments like aircraft and wearables. “A PIC is a small optical chip, but it’s mighty,” he adds, underlining the importance of these technologies in PhotonFirst’s mission to revolutionize measurement techniques, because the combination of FBG and PIC will make FOS more cost efficient.

 

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Looking forward, what challenges and opportunities do you see for PhotonFirst and the integrated photonics industry?


Michael reflects on the future with optimism, acknowledging the challenges of making chip-based fiber optic sensing more accessible and cost-effective. "We're paving the road for the integrated photonic chips to create higher volume in devices, lower costs, and more functionality," he says. The goal is to foster an environment where chip-based fiber optic sensing is as ubiquitous and straightforward as using electronic devices today.

For more information about our Fiber Optic Sensing solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at team@photonfirst.com.