Fiber Optic Sensing Association (FOSA) Information

FOSA is a non-profit organization created in Washington DC in 2017 with the mission of educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of fiber optic sensing. Through webinars, videos, white papers, public presentations and public policy advocacy, the organization provides information on the use of fiber optic sensing to secure critical facilities, enhance public safety and protect the environment. Fiber optic sensing can be deployed to continuously monitor vehicle movement, human traffic, digging activity, seismic activity, temperatures, structural integrity, liquid and gas leaks, and many other conditions and activities. It is used around the world to monitor power stations, telecom networks, railways, roads, bridges, international borders, and critical infrastructure, terrestrial and subsea power and pipelines, and downhole applications in oil, gas and enhanced geothermal electricity generation. Fiber optic sensing is not constrained by line of sight or remote power access and, depending on system configuration, can be deployed in continuous lengths exceeding 30 miles with detection at every point along its path. Cost per sensing point over great distances cannot be matched by competing technologies and often existing deployed fibers can be utilized. Fiber optic sensing works by measuring changes in the "backscattering" of light occurring in an optical fiber when the fiber encounters vibration, strain or temperature change. The fiber serves as sensor over its entire length, delivering real time information on physical surroundings and security and pinpointing the precise location of events and conditions occurring at or near the sensor cable. FOSA membership is open to organizations which manufacture, install, support and use fiber optic sensing systems and equipment.