Fiber Optic Sensor Market Forecast - Continuous Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Systems

ElectroniCast Consultants

A Continuous Distributed fiber optic sensor system involves the optic fiber with the sensors embedded with the fiber, plus electronics, connectors, data acquisition module, software, and miscellaneous components; however, ElectroniCast quantifies the optical fiber, cable (fiber jacket) and the sensor elements in this forecast data (only).

Monitoring and data transmission using fiber optic sensors and optical fiber in cabling is now commonplace with Continuous Distributed fiber optic sensors.  Some distributed fiber optic sensors use multiple Point sensors, which are networked together with optical fiber, creating a point-to-point (multi-point) distributed line; however, we do not consider it a continuous (non-stop) distributed intrinsic fiber optic sensor line.  The very nature of a Point sensor, by our definition, is a stopping point therefore the sensor line is not continuous.

According to ElectroniCast Consultants, the consumption value of fiber optic sensors used in continuous distributed systems is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of nearly 43 percent from $435 million in 2010 to $2.639 billion in 2015. 

 

Note: Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.
For more information on the ElectroniCast Fiber Optic Sensors Market Forecast Consultant Service, contact Stephen Montgomery...  stephen_montgomery@electronicastconsultants.com

Free-space Optical Experimental Network Experiment (FOENEX) systems

FOENEX Special Notice

Solicitation Number: DARPA-SN-12-18

Agency: Other Defense Agencies

Office: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Location: Contracts Management Office

Original Synopsis

Nov 16, 2011

3:32 pm   

Solicitation Number:

DARPA-SN-12-18 Notice Type:

Special Notice Synopsis:

Added: Nov 16, 2011 3:32 pm

DARPA-SN-12-18

Fifteen days after publication of this notice, the Strategic Technology Office (STO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) intends to issue a request for proposal to Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) to prepare up to two Free-space Optical Experimental Network Experiment (FOENEX) systems for delivery to the USAF/Big Safari Blue Devil Block II program by accommodating FOENEX to meet host platform requirements and optionally provide an additional hybrid RF/FSO router.

The current contract, HR0011-10-C-0127, is for highly specialized research, development, and technical services for the development and testing of a hybrid Free-Space Optical (FSO) and Radio Frequency (RF) communications network. The system includes FSO and RF terminals along with stochastic network routers to allow the demonstration of highly reliable, robust, and high data rate hybrid FSO/RF communications among space, airborne and ground platforms.

This effort leverages JHU/APL contract progress in system development, integration, and testing during the FOENEX effort. The integrated system will be evaluated in a field environment like the Nevada Testing and Training Range (NTTR), White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), or similar location. The proposed effort builds from previous research with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and DARPA where JHU/APL developed a unique, robust Optical Modem design, which was the critical technological breakthrough for enabling robust high-data-rate FSO communications (FSOC) through severe turbulence over long ranges.

The embedded OAGC capability was previously integrated into a hybrid FSO and RF airborne networking ORCA brassboard system and demonstrated initial long-range, high-data-rate communication that had never before been accomplished with previous research over the past 30 years.

This proposed FOENEX add-on will prepare up to two FOENEX systems for delivery to the USAF Big Safari Blue Devil Block II program to meet its host platform requirements and the FOENEX team participation in their independent system test and evaluation of this equipment. An option will also be added to deliver an additional hybrid RF/FSO router subsystem to increase test and evaluation capabilities.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is currently available. There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties before award of a contract for the effort mentioned above. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a contract. Point of contact for this synopsis is Contracting Officer; Robin Swatloski; DARPA-SN-12-18@darpa.mil . See Note 22.

Contracting Office Address:

3701 North Fairfax Drive

Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714

Primary Point of Contact:

Contracting Officer

DARPA-SN-12-18@darpa.mil

Source: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c431db26e3417be9bfc6388f39d76d17&tab=core&_cview=0

3S PHOTONICS Acquires Manlight

Nozay, France, November 25th, 2011 – 3S PHOTONICS, a world-leading manufacturer in optical and optoelectronic components for telecommunication networks, announced the acquisition of 100% of Manlight S.A.S. shares. 3S PHOTONICS Group has completed the transaction with the active help of EURAZEO, which holds 83% of 3S Photonics’ capital.

Manlight S.A.S., a globally recognized player for optical fiber amplifiers and lasers, designs and manufactures products for telecommunication transport networks, broadband access networks, defense, and industrial markets. Based in Lannion France, Manlight was founded in 2006 through the acquisition of Highwave Optical Technologies assets. The company’s 30 employees are world-class experts in fiber optic amplification and laser technologies. Eric Delevaque, founder and former Highwave Optical Technologies CEO comments: “The integration of Manlight into the 3S Photonics Group is an important turning point, anticipating terrific growth opportunities. Commercial and technical synergies will enable to benefit from full value of the Manlight know-how and intellectual property”.

The company is becoming a subsidiary of 3S Photonics Group. Alexandre Krivine, President and CEO of 3S PHOTONICS Group is appointing Eric Delevaque as Manlight General Manager. “We are very pleased to have completed the Manlight acquisition with the help of Eurazeo as this deal fits perfectly into the development strategy we have established for 3S Photonics” says Alexandre Krivine, “The Manlight product range allows us to expand our offer for our historical telecom customers, to continue the diversification of our activities by promoting Group components linked to the LIDAR and

industrial fiber laser markets”, this enabling us to climb the value chair.

In November (2011), 3S PHOTONICS Group reported a consolidated IFRS turnover of up to €51M for the fiscal year 2011, which ended in June 2011, representing a year on year growth of 64% (or 44% within the same business scope).

About 3S PHOTONICS              3S PHOTONICS group is a leading provider of innovative optical products and solutions for Lasers, Sensing & Telecom markets. The Group designs, manufactures, and markets high reliability active & passive optical components and modules for the telecom, sensing & laser markets. It develops ultra-reliable fiber-optic systems including high-power fused components, optical sensors and

fiber laser components. Through its Avensys Solutions division, it also provides instrumentation and integrated solutions for process and environmental monitoring systems. More Information: http://www.3sphotonicsgroup.com/

About Manlight S.A.S.             Manlight SAS is a leading company in the design and the manufacturing for fiber optic amplifying and laser systems. Manlight products address telecommunication networking, from transport to the broadband access, industrial, security (LIDAR) and defense markets. Manlight has been incepted in 2006 through the acquisition of the Highwave Optical Technologies assets, and has exploited and developed the know-how and the intellectual property in destination to these markets.

Fiber Optic Industry Monthly Reports - Subscription Information

ElectroniCast Consultants                                

The monthly report provides summaries from recent ElectroniCast market/technology analysis, as well as several industry news items of interest…

Published:       Last week of each month

Text Pages:     Typically 20-30 pages

Deliver:            PDF File via E-Mail

Fee:                $1,200 per year (12-issues)

Contact:          stephen_montgomery@electronicastconsultants.com

Note: Only one PDF file will be sent to the individual client; however, clients may forward (e-mail) copies to other individuals within their own company/organization.

Typical Outline:

(1)   ElectroniCast – Fiber Optic Oriented Market and Technology Overview (5-8 pages)

(2)   ElectroniCast – Fiber Optic Oriented Market and Technology Overview (5-8 pages)

(3)   Fiber Optic Industry News (10-15 pages)

a.      Venture Capital or Financial News

b.      New Products

c.      Fiber Optic Deployment/Installations

d.      Technology News

About ElectroniCast

ElectroniCast Consultants specializes in forecasting trends in communication networks and in the products used in those networks.  This includes technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning and consulting.

ElectroniCast Consultants, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communication and data network companies and the financial community.  Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided.  ElectroniCast's goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.

Singapore: The Institute of Microelectronics (IME)

Singapore: The Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), announced plans to commercialize key innovations in silicon chips designed to support high speed, high bandwidth optical communications.  These chips were developed as part of IME’s Silicon Photonics research platform.

The research is collaboration with Alcatel—Lucent Bell Laboratories — one of the worlds leading optical communications innovators.  IME and Alcatel—Lucent plan to bring their silicon component designs from research to commercial fabrication readiness within the next few years. They will be working with a global semiconductor foundry, GlobalFoundaries, for this.  They plan to make their silicon building blocks accessible to photonics developers who can create new products at a reduced cost to the industry.

About IME              The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in 1991 and ISO-9001 certified, IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies, innovative technologies and intellectual property; enabling enterprises to be technologically competitive; and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject new knowledge to the industry.

R&D at IME covers the semiconductor technology chain, viz integrated circuit design, wafer fabrication process technology, packaging and assembly, and reliability testing and analysis. These R&D are classified under three laboratories, namely:

·        Integrated Circuits and Systems (ICS)

·        Microsystems, Modules and Components (MMC)

·        Semiconductor Process Technologies (SPT)

IME has also established six application-driven programs to focus its R&D efforts in new technologies and open up new opportunities for the semiconductor industry:

·        Bioelectronics Program

·        Miniaturized Medical Devices (MMD) Program

·        Nano-Electronics Program

·        Nano-Photonics Program

·        Sensor & Actuator Microsystems (SAM) Program

·        Through-Silicon Via Program

In terms of personnel, IME employs around 250 staff, out of which:

·        87% are directly involved in R&D

·        47% have either a PhD or a Masters degree

·        More than 100 international researchers from 15 countries

IME also has around 150 students from universities, polytechnics and junior colleges attached to the Institute every year.

Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) in Harsh Environment Applications

Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)              From the earliest days of glass fiber processed for communication use, synthetic fiber producers have chased the receding market target with alternative organic fibers.  Mitsubishi Rayon, in particular, has pushed their research on plastic optical fiber (POF) over the past two decades.  DuPont, Hoechst Celanese, Mitsubishi Chemical and several other major chemical-oriented firms also invested substantially in POF development.  The global optical fiber market, however, has been high-end focused; mainly single mode striving for ever-higher data rates over expanding hundreds of kilometers.  At the opposite end of the market, short reach/low data rate transmission, copper links vendors have fought the potential fiber intrusion by continuing advancements in data rate capability.  Copper links have remained low cost, not having to incorporate the relatively expensive fiber optic transmitter/receiver units required for fiber links.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper links, however, are vulnerable to electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EM/RFI).  Adding shielding to copper cables drives up their cost and makes the cable larger and heavier.  Thus, even for short reach, low data rate communication links; there is continuing interest in fiber optic links.

As EMI-sensitive systems (such as GPS position-location systems and video and high fidelity sound systems) increasingly have been phased into automobiles and green-tech energy solutions (such as wind turbines); therefore, this has opened the POF market to volume applications.  This was aided by the rapidly falling cost of silicon semiconductor ICs, such as the driver and amplifier devices of fiber optic transmitter/receiver units.  In the short-reach, low data rate market, POF/LED based links can compete on price with shielded copper links.

Major research in the POF field is continuing, aimed at extending POF temperature limits upward, beyond 100 degrees Centigrade, to open further markets.   According to Asahi Kasei E-materials Corporation, POF softens at approximately 100 degree C, decomposes and emits flammable gas at approximately 200 degree C, and above 200 degree C may ignite and burn.  There also is argument that POF can better withstand severe shock and vibration than glass fiber; further development and qualification testing is expected to open military/aerospace low data rate, short reach applications to POF use.

Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOAs) Developments

In October (2011) — Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Limited announced the development of optical amplifier technology for use in optical access systems that link subscribers to central offices. The new optical amplifier technology has the ability to quadruple the splitting number and double transmission distance. (Details of these technologies were presented at the 37th European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland in September 2011).

According to Fujitsu, the use of optical aggregation networks, in which optical signals between a central office and many subscribers are optically passed along, rather than converted into electrical signals, has been proposed as one way to reduce the constantly growing amount of electrical power consumed by networking equipments.

Although passive optical networks (PONs), which increase transmission speeds in both downstream and upstream from the prevailing speed of 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, are now starting to be deployed commercially, there are constraints in using them for optical aggregation networks because the number of optical network terminals (ONTs) for the most commonly used PON is typically limited to 32 connections and its transmission distance is also limited around 20 km.

To address these constraints, especially in upstream bursts, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have developed the following three technologies: 

1. SOA-based Burst-mode optical amplifier technology
2. Integrated SOA-array module fabrication technology
3. SOA chip fabrication technology enabling un-cooled operation

These three technologies, used together, make it possible to quadruple the splitting number in an optical access system and double the transmission distance between the central office equipment and the terminal equipment. This makes it possible for a next-generation optical access system to be used as an optical aggregation network at low cost and with low power consumption requirements, paving the way for cloud infrastructure.

This makes it possible for a next-generation optical access system to be used as an optical aggregation network at low cost and with low power consumption requirements, paving the way for cloud infrastructure. The research results achieved by the Commissioned Research of National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) have been applied to portion of this work.

The three technologies that Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories have developed make it possible to implement improved upstream burst transmission characteristics, which needed to expand the scope of optical access systems. This, in turn, quadruples the number of optical network terminals (ONTs) an optical access system can support, and doubles the transmission distance between the central office's equipment; optical line terminal (OLT) and ONT.

Alternative to Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs) -- ?

In mid-November (2011), Researchers at the University of Twente’s MESA+ Research Institute (The Netherlands) reported they have developed a material capable of optical amplifications that are comparable to those achieved by the best, currently available semiconductor optical amplifiers. The researchers expect that this material will accelerate data communication and, ultimately, provide an alternative to short distance data communication (at the μm-cm scale).

The Researchers claim that this material consists of thin crystalline layers whose optical properties were specially designed for the optical circuits found on chips. The researchers can fine-tune the properties of these thin crystalline layers by changing their composition. Using a clever trick, they were able to embed much higher concentrations of optically active Ytterbium ions (Ytterbium is a rare-earth element) in the crystal. In this way, they have boosted the optical amplification of currently available rare-earth-doped materials by more than one hundredfold. The Researchers claim that this will ultimately pave the way for faster and cheaper optical data communication.

The MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high quality research. It uses a unique structure, which unites scientific disciplines, and builds fruitful international cooperation to excel in science and education.

MESA+, Institute for Nanotechnology, is part of the University of Twente, having intensive cooperation with various research groups within the University. The institute employs 500 people of whom 275 are PhD’s or postdocs. With its NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state of the art research equipment. MESA+ has an integral turnover of 45 million euro per year of which 60% is acquired in competition from external sources.

MESA+ has been the breeding place for more than 40 high-tech start-ups to date. A targeted program for cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises is specially set up for start-ups. MESA+ offers the use of its extensive facilities and cleanroom space under friendly conditions. Start-ups and MESA+ work intensively together to promote transfer of knowledge.