Micron Optics Powers New National Instruments Optical Sensor Interrogator

The National Instruments product combines Micron Optics core optical sensing technologies within the industry leading PXIe platform. This equips LabVIEW users with a high-performance instrument to address the expanding number of applications where traditional sensors either fail or simply cannot be used.

Micron Optics' Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor systems (http://micronoptics.com/solutions.php) include instruments and sensors that reliably measure strain, temperature, displacement and acceleration. These optical sensors are designed to go in areas susceptible to lightning, electro-magnetic interference, radiation and explosive or corrosive environments. FBG sensor systems are also the preferred technology for high sensor count, high strain range or weight sensitive applications.

"National Instruments has seen increased demand for optical sensing technology from our global customer base in applications such as structural health monitoring, energy production and transmission, and transportation monitoring. Micron Optics has been a key pioneer of optical sensing technology, and we believe that the combination of their optoelectronics technology with the power of PXI and LabVIEW software has resulted in significant improvements in performance, flexibility, and ease-of-use for optical sensing," said Brian Betts, Senior Group Manager for Data Acquisition at NI.

"FBG optical sensors are an emerging technology, and this new NI product offering represents a significant step forward,"said Jeff Miller, CEO of Micron Optics. "Most of our customers have struggled using electrical sensors due to the inherent limitations and immediately realize the benefits of optical solutions. The National Instruments entry into this technology will further accelerate market acceptance of optical sensing, ultimately benefiting sensing customers."