SURF network
Network innovations
Fiber sensing: today's technology
Fiber sensing is a technology in which fiber-optic cables are used as sensors. This technology allows us to monitor not only the fiber itself, but also its immediate surroundings. For example, strain, pressure, vibration, temperature and other physical parameters are measured. Both within the cable and in the environment in which it is located. Want to know more? This Wikipedia page tells you more about fiber sensing, its different variants and how it is applied.
Conducting new research using fiber sensing
With fiber sensing, fiber-optic cables are used as a network of sensors. These cables do not only transport information, but also actively contribute to generating new knowledge and creating new data. For instance, data are collected on strain, pressure, vibration, temperature and other physical parameters. By using existing equipment and infrastructure, there is no need to install new equipment in hard-to-reach places, such as underwater. This provides valuable insights for a wide range of research fields, such as earth sciences, biology and environmental sciences.
With fiber sensing, even a hard-to-reach place such as the ocean floor becomes a valuable source of measurement data.
The potential of the SURF network
The development of fiber sensing is one of the specialised and innovative network applications for specific use cases. While using the optical fibers of the SURF network, we actively explore the potential of fiber sensing. We do so with trials and collaborations with various partners. In this way, we contribute to the development of new applications and increase knowledge about this promising technology.
The technique of fiber sensing is already known in some research disciplines. Yet it is mainly an innovative new technique whose potential still needs to be explored. SURF has its own nationwide fiber-optic network with international connections. This totals about 11,000 kilometres of fiber-optic cables on which fiber sensing can be applied. In projects that want to investigate and deploy the potential of fiber sensing, we actively contribute ideas on how SURF's fiber-optic network can be used.
SURF's fiber sensing projects
These are the projects in which SURF is exploring the potential of fiber sensing, together with various partners.
Submarine cables for marine biology
Together with GÉANT, Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), we are working on applying Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to a submarine cable from Zandvoort (NL) to Leiston (UK).
This trial focuses on the use of fibre sensing for marine biological research in the North Sea. Visit the SUBMERSE website for more information, and take a look at the video below to learn more about the project.
Seismic research into geothermal energy
The large-scale seismic survey of the Amsterdam metropolitan region is collecting detailed data on the subsurface, which is needed for the development of geothermal energy as a sustainable resource. The seismic survey will be conducted by SCAN (Seismic Campaign Geothermal Netherlands) and will start in autumn 2025.
In this project, SURF is collaborating with TNO, which is conducting seismological research. We are providing fibre-optic cables and colocation in Amsterdam. Through this collaboration, we exchange knowledge on fibre-optic infrastructure and fibre sensing techniques.
Fiber sensing experiment on GÉANT network detects a plane landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
GÉANT, with support from SURF, carried out an hour-long experiment using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) as part of the Fiber Sensing Task of the GÉANT (GN5-2) Project.
During the experiment, a laser signal was injected into the same optical fibre that carries live internet traffic. This effectively turned the fiber optic cable into a sensor, capable of detecting a wide range of real-world signals, from earthquakes and other geophysical phenomena to cars, trams, and, as shown in this experiment, aircraft.
In the video below, Chris Atherton, Senior Research Engagement Manager at GÉANT, walks through the experiment’s data and explains why a distinct signal observed in the measurements is believed to correspond to a plane landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Live flight tracking data shown in the video is courtesy of Flightradar24. For more information, please visit flightradar24.com
Next steps
More experiments are planned, using different parts of the backbone network in the Netherlands, including submarine sections. These will help gather additional data and explore further use cases.
Want to know more about fiber sensing or get involved?
Read more about fiber sensing at SURF on the wiki.
Do you work at an institution affiliated to SURF and think fiber sensing could support your research? Please contact karin.wessel@surf.nl