We have developed a novel optical fiber sensor system, which enable real-time monitoring of strain, humidity and temperature in points along an optical fiber.
SHUTE’s patented technology is based on a micro-structured Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) inscribed with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). FBGs are a well-known technology that functions as sensor points along the POF.
Optical Fiber sensors are commercially available but have up until now been based on glass. SHUTE is capable of producing Optical Fiber sensors made out of polymer, which creates novel sensing capabilities.
SHUTE sensors are compatible with current sensing setups. They are easy to embed in hard and soft materials, and they are able to reach larger sensing range and higher sensitivity than existing technology.
Compared to existing fiber sensor solutions, our sensors are:
- Very flexible and easy to embed in hard or soft materials
- 30 times more sensitive to strain than silica fiber sensors and
- 20 times more sensitive to stress
- Stretchable – up to 6% elongation
- Humidity sensitive
- Biocompatible
In addition the sensors also have the well-known optical fiber advantages over traditional electrical sensors such as:
- Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Very small size and lightweight
- High precision sensing
- Distributed sensing