Development of remote optoelectronic sensor systems for long term component monitoring.

Advanced optical sensing and instrumentation offers the means to monitor complex environments that may not be possible using conventional sensing techniques. This project aims to develop novel optical sensing solutions for demanding engineering environments, and therefore strongly aligns with the 'sensing' theme.

This project aims to develop novel sensing solutions for demanding engineering environments in which conventional sensors are unsuitable. These sensors will provide information that aids planning of effective routine maintenance and allows component performance to be assessed. Optical fibre technology allows for flexible deployment of optical sensors in hard to reach or difficult environments.

This project is a collaboration between the Applied Optics and Photonics research group and AWE plc which aims to develop bespoke instrumentation for long-duration monitoring techniques that will contribute towards AWEs mission to support and maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent. Uses outside this niche application will also be explored.

In scenarios where electrical based measurements introduce a safety risk, optical-based sensor technologies provide a viable alternative to obtain measurement data. Optical fibre sensors can exploit the benefits of spectral encoding and interferometry to deliver a range of sensing solutions, however the challenge often lies in applying these to practical real-world situations.

An additional challenge in this application is to develop techniques 'in-house' to provide solutions that are serviceable for 20+years, rather than relying on commercial solutions that could quickly become obsolete and unserviceable.