May 2003

Press Release:
Micron Optics introduces new optical sensor interrogator: the si425

Atlanta - Micron Optics, Inc., a leading producer of optical systems for measuring strain, temperature, and pressure using fiber optic sensors, announces the introduction of the si425 Optical Sensor Interrogator, a new entry in their line of optical sensor interrogation instruments.

The si425 provides fast, accurate, and reliable peak wavelength data for more than 500 fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors on four optical fibers. It is ideal for field applications like monitoring optical sensors in oil pipelines, electric power transmission towers, hillsides, dams, bridges, tunnels and buildings. Its deterministic, high-speed data acquisition capability makes the si425 very useful for understanding various vibration modes and other fast-changing phenomena. It is fully self-contained with a built-in PC, color display, and front panel controls. An Ethernet port allows easy access to the data in real time.

The si425 joins a long line of sensing modules and instruments from Micron Optics, Inc. Micron Optics systems have been in use around the world for nearly a decade and have played a key role in the rapid growth of optical sensors as an alternative to electrical sensors. Optical sensors offer several advantages. Dozens, even hundreds, of these tiny sensors can be placed on a single optical fiber. Since they are so small, they can be built into wings of aircraft or concrete bridge piers. Because they are made of glass, they do not corrode like electronic foil gauges and are not affected by electromagnetic fields. Installation and maintenance is simple and relatively inexpensive.

Company Description:
Micron Optics, a leading provider of tunable technologies, offers a comprehensive portfolio of products for sensing and telecom markets. Leading the industry for nearly a decade, the Optical Sensing line addresses energy, aerospace, civil, transportation and defense applications. A Telecom line of tunable components, OEM modules and test instruments provides superior solutions for signal conditioning, channel drop, and spectrum measurements. Micron Optics is a private company based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.