Fiber optic sensors have very attractive features forindustrial applications. Because they use nonconducting silica instead of wires, they can operate in high electromagnetic field environments and explosion hazard areas. The expectations of the1980s were that fiber optic sensor usage would be over $100M per year in 1993; actual sales were under $20M. Theorder-of-magnitude error was in part due to forecastingmethodology and in part due to users' not accepting the newsensor technology to replace traditional sensors.This project will work with users in three industry segments:chemical processing, electric power, and food processing to (1)clarify reasons for the difference between expectations and usageof fiber optic sensors; (2) identify needs that fiber sensors canfill uniquely; and (3) identify Phase 2 tasks that will lowerbarriers to the use of fiber optic sensors.Phase 2 will catalyze collaboration between users, e.g. withinthe food industry. Collaboration between sensor suppliers will beinitiated (subject to applicable anti-trust laws) to improvesensor interchangability as well as to educate user groups tofiber optic sensor applicability. Opportunities for NISTparticipation will be defined in the development of measurementmethods as well as measurement reference standards.Commercial Applications:The commercial potential of this programis to substantially increase the availability of fiber opticsensors to industry. The research will also define needs for NISTcontributions to fiber optic sensors. For example, in the area ofedible oil processing, measurement reference standards are neededfor calibration of fiber optic refractometers and measuredreference materials data are needed for various oils as afunction of temperature.
