Fiber optic sensing uses light properties as it travels down a fiber to detect changes in temperature, strain, and other parameters. Using fiber optic sensing, which uses the fiber as the sensor, thousands of continuous sensor points are created along the cable. Distributed fiber optic sensing is the use of a fiber optic sensor. When utilized to monitor civil structures and infrastructure, distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS) give novel new opportunities unmatched by conventional sensor systems. Several DFOS-related technologies have reached varying stages of development over the last ten years.
DFOS fibers internally reflect light. They are made of silica, plastic, and premium glass. Optical fibers are now used in the oil, gas, medical, utility, and defense industries because of advancements in optical technology. In particular security applications, DFOS is used for flexible bundling, laser delivery systems, light conduction, and lighting. Economic decisions are influenced by oil and gas. The oil and gas industry will grow due to rising population, industrialization, and markets like China and India. Since the markets for bikes and vehicles are complementary, rising incomes and living standards are anticipated to spur sales, resulting in a boom in oil and gas production.
Petroleum extraction and processing are becoming more expensive due to supply and demand. Most nations use oil and gas for power generation, transportation, and heating. As a result, increased primary energy demand is anticipated. Gas and oil have a high flammability. Therefore, precautions and safety measures must be adopted. This can be fixed with fiber optic sensors. Fire, pipeline leaks, and infiltration are all detected using optical fibers. Disasters are avoided by real-time monitoring. Fiber optic sensors can be used to monitor mines and tunnels.
With the integration of distributed fiber optic sensors with IoT platforms and systems, new opportunities for automation, predictive maintenance, and data analytics are opened. This integration has enhanced operational performance and reduced costs by enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and decision-making. Distributed fiber optic sensor data can be combined with AI and ML algorithms to derive practical knowledge, spot trends, and anticipate failures or anomalies. Advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational performance are all made available by this integration.
North America is the most significant global distributor of fiber optic sensors and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period. In North American countries, the market for safety and security is growing significantly. There are growing trends in the U.S. and Canada toward the domestic use of centralized security systems. Due to increased military and defense investment in the U.S., DFOS applications have expanded, including border security and surveillance. The growing opportunities in the civil engineering industry are a significant driver of the North American DFOS market. The market for DFOS in industrial and commercial buildings benefits from the increase.
Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. The European Space Agency uses fiber optic sensors in its spacecraft and launchers to monitor important space missions successfully. Endoscopic applications use fiber optical sensors in the medical field. They are also used in clinical applications for research, laboratory testing, acute care, diagnostics, and treatment. The aerospace and medical industries benefit from the fiber optic sensor technologies developed in Europe.