Abstract
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This BCC study analyzes the status of global markets for fiber optic sensors.
Fiber optic sensors (FOSs) began as a by-product of optical fiber research and
development. The first sensors were designed to measure the performance and
status of an optical network. Optical networks transmit voice and data across
the U.S. and around the world. The networks require constant monitoring to
ensure signal transmission along the fibers in the network.
Faults or flaws along the length of the fiber affected the characteristic of
the transmitted signal in measurable ways. Differences in temperature, strain,
and pressure can be measured over long distances. The ability to multiplex a
large number of wavelengths along a single fiber offers a means to gather a
large amount of data from a single fiber.
With the ability to operate in harsh environments and imperviousness to
electromagnetic interference, FOSs can be applied in conditions in which
electronic sensors fail. The cost of FOS technology remains higher than
electronic sensors, thus FOSs have penetrated only where the unique advantages
of FOSs justify the higher expense, or in which they are the only option for
the conditions.
This report considers market conditions and opportunities in regional areas
around the globe. The report also considers the potential new applications
that will emerge in the next 5 years. The slowing of the telecom sector has
led to attempts to leverage the optical fiber sensor technology developed for
one application into new applications.
Optical fiber sensors measure temperature; pressure, humidity, acceleration,
and strain, and can operate in harsh conditions. This report considers the
different types of sensor, what they can measure, and where they are used.
In addition to telecom applications, optical fiber sensors are used in oil and
gas services, medicine, defense, and aerospace applications. Fiber optic
sensors represent a disruptive technology within the oil and gas market, as
they opened an entire new revenue stream for service providers.
Although familiarity with fiber sensor technology has increased and sensor
prices have decreased, fiber sensors still find most application in areas
where electronic sensors cannot compete. In cases in which fiber optic sensors
attempt to replace existing electronic technology that meets the defined need
adequately and for lower cost, the electronic option still dominates. Cost and
unfamiliarity remain the primary barriers to fiber optic sensor growth into
new applications.
This report provides a standard 5-year planning cycle and revenue estimates
through 2014. It defines product segments for optical coating technology
categories, analyzes technology options, and determines current application
markets as well as likely future opportunities.
Additionally, this report defines and graphically analyzes these fiber optic
sensor markets from many perspectives, categorizes and profiles the companies
involved, defines unique nomenclature, and details policy organizations,
conferences, authors, and consortiums.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The world has benefited immensely from the development of electronic
technology and sensors. But electronics have several inherent limitations in
terms of ultimate speed of function and environmental limitations on
performance. Optical technologies offer the promise of faster speeds and the
ability to operate under harsher conditions. However, before an optical
revolution can occur, supporting technologies such as sensors must be
developed.
Fiber optic sensor technology represents a critical feedback technology that
will be applied in optical devices and systems, existing and yet to be
developed. As sensing options increase, engineers and developers will be able
to make all optical systems a future reality. Sensors may not be the most
buzz-worthy market, but they are essential.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This report is a complete market information source for serious players in the
fiber optical sensors marketplace. Network system integrators will use this
report to assess the status of the fiber optic sensor market in order to
identify suppliers and systems integrators, and forecast the future markets.
Market managers will be able to assess the competition and identify customers
and new suppliers for components. Management consultants will determine
whether companies divest or invest in fiber optic technology based in part on
the market projections, competitive strengths, and development issues revealed
in this report.
Equipment managers will develop or modify existing products to address the
fiber optic technology manufacturing concerns discussed in this report.
Material suppliers will identify market opportunities and new customers based
on the study' s projected growth in applications.
Venture capital managers will identify targets for investments, mergers, or
acquisition based on companies identified and described in this report.
Strategic planners will identify other companies with critical strains to
strategically partner with so they can share in the overall fiber optic
technology growth as projected in this report.
SCOPE OF REPORT
This BCC business opportunity report covers, with a critical eye, the global
fiber optic sensors marketplace. It focuses particularly on the markets and
opportunities for fiber optic sensors in telecommunications, oil and gas
exploration and drilling, medical, and industrial markets. The study considers
future opportunities for new application markets.
This study is presented in easy-to-follow sections that overview this subject,
define the technology, segment the market by product type and application,
profile companies, and identify suppliers. All dollar amounts are expressed in
current 2008 U.S. dollars.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Materials and data presented in this report were obtained from telephone
interviews with marketing and engineering personnel at the major companies
profiled, as well as from catalogs, the Internet, patterns, and the literature
search of current articles related to optical fiber sensors technology.
The analysis and conclusions presented in this study are the result of
significant research into both producers and users of fiber optic sensor
technology, based on both primary and secondary research sources.
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