Industry leaders launch Fibre Optic Sensing Association
Created May 2, 2017
News and BusinessNew organization to focus on educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of fibre optic sensing technology.
The Fibre Optic Sensing Association (FOSA), headquartered in Washington, DC, the USA’s first trade association dedicated to fibre optic sensing, was launched this month (April 2017) with the aims of educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of fibre-optics-based technologies.
The organisation was formed with the mission to provide greater awareness of the benefits of fibre optic sensing technology and its applications in today’s marketplace. As part of its awareness campaign, FOSA has launched a new web presence,
(www.fibreopticsensing.org), featuring articles, information and educational content about this technology and its impact.
Fibre optic sensing is an emerging technology that uses deviations of light in fibre optic cables to remotely measure acoustics, temperature and strain. Through fibre optic sensing, an individual can detect pipeline leaks, vehicle traffic, foot traffic, digging, tunneling, seismic activity, unsafe temperatures, crumbling infrastructure and other conditions from miles away.
Monitoring
Fibre optic sensing is used today to monitor thousands of miles of power lines, pipelines, international borders, critical infrastructure and facilities all across the globe. The technology has applications in transportation, security, oil and gas, energy, military, and medical industries.
According to a market research report by BCC Research, the global fibre optic sensors market should reach $3.2 billion by 2021, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% beginning in 2016. The same market research report projected a five-year CAGR of 14% in the medical industry and 10.4% in the energy sector.
“Fibre optic sensing has the potential to dramatically improve the lives of many millions of Americans, enhance business operations, and create jobs. Businesses, institutions, and government agencies already deploy these applications to make our roads safer, protect our environment and strengthen our security.
Education
“However, to further these improvements and impact, industry, consumers, and government need to better understand the value of and get greater access to information on this advanced technology. This is why we are creating FOSA,” said Thomas Cohen, FOSA’s Executive Director. “This new organization will educate key players in all sectors and promote awareness of fibre sensing technology to help accelerate the use of this critical technology.”
FOSA’s initial membership includes AFL, Corning, Ditch Witch, Dura-Line Corporation, Fotech Solutions, Frauscher Sensor Technology USA, Integrated Roadways, OFS, Omnisens, OptaSense, OZ Optics, and Prysmian. The new organization is an affiliate of the Fibre Broadband Association, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of fibre optic networks supporting broadband, telecommunications, video, and other advanced services.
FOSA will hold its inaugural meeting with its members in Washington, D.C in May 2017. For more information about FOSA, its mission, members and programs, visit www.fibreopticsensing.org
