VSL Partners with Lionite and Sol Photonics on Acoustic Optical Sensing Project

News

VSL is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new innovation project, “Characterization of High-speed Acoustic Optical Sensors” (CHAOS), in partnership with Lionite and Sol Photonics. This initiative is one of 13 projects awarded funding in the highly competitive MKB HighTech Call 2024, a new program from Holland High Tech aimed at empowering innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and accelerating the market introduction of new technologies.

Next-Generation Sensing Technology

Over the next two years, VSL, Lionite, and Sol Photonics will join forces to develop a new class of high-speed acoustic optical sensors, harnessing the unique capabilities of advanced optical fiber technology. Unlike traditional sensors, which are often limited by bandwidth and sensitivity, the next generation of acoustic optical sensors will be able to measure strain, pressure, or vibration with unprecedented precision and speed. This leap in performance opens up major opportunities in demanding application areas such as medical diagnostics and the early detection of cracks in composite materials and concrete structures.

Pushing the Boundaries of Optical Sensing

Existing fiber optic sensors have already demonstrated their value in a variety of environments, but their full potential in acoustic applications has been hampered by technical limitations, especially when it comes to bandwidth. The CHAOS project aims to break through these barriers by developing and characterizing new sensor technology that enables real-time, highly sensitive acoustic measurements. This will not only enhance the capabilities of current sensor systems but also lay the foundation for future advances in sectors ranging from civil engineering to healthcare.

A Collaborative Innovation Effort

The CHAOS project shows the power of collaboration between cutting-edge SMEs and leading research organizations. By leveraging VSL’s expertise in metrology and precision characterization, and combining it with Lionite’s and Sol Photonics’ innovative solutions in optical technology, the consortium is well-positioned to deliver tangible results. The support from the MKB HighTech Call underscores the strategic importance of this research for the Dutch high-tech ecosystem and the broader societal impact of advanced sensor technologies.