Industry Leaders Launch Fiber Optic Sensing Association

The Fiber Optic Sensing Association, the nation’s first trade association dedicated to fiber optic sensing, launched today with a focus on educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

The organization was formed with the mission to provide greater awareness of the benefits of fiber optic sensing technology and its applications in today’s marketplace. As part of its awareness campaign, FOSA has launched a new website, www.fiberopticsensing.org, featuring articles, information and educational content about this technology and its impact.

Fiber optic sensing is an emerging technology that uses deviations of light in fiber optic cables to remotely measure acoustics, temperature and strain. Through fiber 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.

The technology is used today to monitor thousands of miles of power lines, pipelines, international borders, critical infrastructure and facilities across the globe.  According to a market research report by BCC Research, the global fiber optic sensors market should reach $3.2 billion by 2021, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate 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.

“Fiber optic sensing has the potential to dramatically improve the lives of many millions of Americans, enhance business operations, and create jobs,” said Thomas Cohen, FOSA’s Executive Director. “Businesses, institutions, and government agencies already deploy these applications to make our roads safer, protect our environment and strengthen our security. 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. This new organization will educate key players in all sectors and promote awareness of fiber sensing technology to help accelerate the use of this critical technology.”

FOSA’s initial membership includes AFL, Corning Incorporated, 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 Fiber Broadband Association, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of fiber 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.fiberopticsensing.org.