Creating 'morphing' Fiber Optic Sensors! UK Team Receives £2.2 Million Grant

Changing the shape of optical fibers can bring many potential benefits to researchers, industry and consumers.
Recently, the University of Southampton and five other universities in the UK were awarded a £2.2 million grant to conduct an in-depth study of how to transform the cross-section of fiber optic sensors into a "flat" or box shape, rather than the traditional round shape. This innovation is expected to disrupt the way high-value composites are manufactured.
Understanding the behavior of composites
Composites consist of two or more materials such as plastics, carbon fibers, ceramics, and even glass, which are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional materials, and are therefore used in a wide range of industries.
However, manufacturers need to know more about composites at the manufacturing stage and how they perform throughout their lifecycle. And sensors can provide that information.
Planar fiber optic sensors fit snugly inside the composite material and are able to monitor the material's performance to ensure that it remains strong enough during use. In addition, these sensors provide valuable information to the manufacturing process, helping to optimize the performance of the component and predicting possible component failures so that steps can be taken in advance for maintenance.
Outstanding Cleanroom Facilities Broaden Application Scenarios
With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), researchers at the Southampton Optoelectronics Research Center (ORC) are working to improve the efficiency and sustainability of composite manufacturing.
The core concept for this project originated from ORC research in 2018/19 and was funded by the Zepler Institute Stimulus Fund. The team has now successfully developed a proof-of-concept product.
In a new three-year project to be launched soon, the ORC team will work hand-in-hand with the manufacturing arm of the Bristol Composites Institute at the University of Bristol to develop planar fiber optic sensors in the Zepler cleanroom. This new sensor will then be used by researchers at the Universities of Nottingham, Warwick, Herefordshire and Wrexham to carry out a series of case studies with industry partners.
Lead researcher Dr. Christopher Holmes emphasized, "In order to revolutionize composites manufacturing, the integration of interdisciplinary expertise is essential."
"The University of Southampton has excellent cleanroom facilities and deep expertise in fiber optic manufacturing, while our team has a deep understanding of composites and their applications. By working together on planar fiber optic sensors, we expect to transform the ultimate performance of composite structures."
Engineers in industry have taken a keen interest and contributed 10% of the funding for the project, Dr. Christopher Holmes said, "This is yet another demonstration that ORC has the ability to translate basic research results into practical industrial applications."