Optical Sensor Technology
Fiber optic sensors for precise measurement under demanding conditions.
FOS Inon Fiber Optics develops and manufactures fiber optic measurement systems that operate reliably even under extreme environmental conditions. Our solutions enable continuous process monitoring across industrial applications, from energy technology and the chemical industry to flame monitoring in power plants.
Sensor Heads for Demanding Operating Conditions
We develop fiber optic sensor heads tailored to your specific requirements. The sensors are resistant to high temperatures (up to 400 °C), electromagnetic interference and chemically aggressive media. Through the use of specialised fiber technology, we enable precise signal acquisition directly at the measurement point, robust, durable and reproducible.
Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Real-Time Monitoring
Our fiber optic PAT probes enable uninterrupted monitoring of chemical and physical parameters in real time. Through in-line analytics, you can improve product quality, reduce waste and increase the efficiency of your production, in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food technology.
PAT stands for “Process Analytical Technology.” This involves taking measurements directly during production, not just afterward in a laboratory. Fiber optics enable this inline measurement: they bring light directly into the process (e.g., a reactor) and transmit the measurement signal back in real time. This allows companies to react immediately if something is wrong, instead of only finding out days later in a lab report.
Our Services at a Glance
Reliable monitoring in high-performance thermal processes.
Our systems reliably monitor combustion processes under extreme conditions. With highly heat-resistant optical fiber light guides, we ensure the stable operation of your plants in energy generation and industry, precise, robust and durable.
Custom measurement heads for demanding environments.
We develop sensor solutions for environments where conventional technology fails. Our fiber optic heads are insensitive to electromagnetic interference and chemically resistant, ideal for precise measurements of temperature, pressure or position.
Real-time analytics for reproducible product quality.
Optimise your production through fiber optic in-line analytics. Our PAT probes enable non-destructive monitoring of chemical reactions and concentrations in real time, for greater efficiency and end-to-end quality control.
Why Choose Light Guides from FOS Inon Fiber Optics?
Quality “Made in Germany” pays off. Thanks to our proprietary manufacturing and testing processes, we offer custom solutions for numerous applications, from laboratories to aerospace.
Manufacturing Process
To ensure our light guides and fiber optic products meet the highest standards, we rely on a specialized manufacturing process. This allows us to guarantee exceptional chemical and tactile robustness so they can perform optimally in their respective environments. Precision is a critical factor in this, true to our motto: “Making the impossible happen.”
Materials Used
- Borosilicate: Glass with high temperature resistance and chemical resilience.
- PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate): A thermoplastic, lightweight plastic with high light transmittance.
- Silica-Hard Clad: A robust plastic coating for improved strength and durability.
- Silica-Silica for UV and NIR Wavelengths: Our specialized glass fibers, optimized for the transmission of light in the ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) ranges.
PMMA is a thermoplastic material, known under brand names such as Plexiglas or acrylic glass. In fiber optics, PMMA is used for:
- Flexible, cost-effective fiber optic cables are used
- Large core diameters (up to several millimeters)
- Applications using visible light
PMMA fibers are less temperature-resistant than glass fibers (max. 70-100°C), but significantly more flexible and less expensive. This makes them a particularly good choice for lighting or sensors where extreme temperatures are not present.
Borosilicate (also called “boron glass”) is a special type of glass with a high boron oxide content. It is the same material used to make heat-resistant laboratory glassware and baking molds. In fiber optics, it offers:
- Excellent chemical resistance to acids and alkalis
- Good temperature resistance up to approximately 400-500°C
- Low thermal expansion (less stress during temperature changes)
Ideal for standard industrial applications and lighting.
Optional Specifications:
- Various apertures available
- Polarization can be maintained
- Anti-reflection coating possible
- Various lengths, diameters, bending radii, converters, and vacuum feedthroughs optional
- Various connectors and ferrules suitable for industry and medicine
SMA (Sub-Miniature A) is a standard screw-type connector for fiber optic cables, designed for laboratory equipment and spectrometers. The connector has a 1/4″-36 thread. FSMA is the fiber optic version with a specially protected ferrule for the sensitive fiber end face. Standardized connectors allow you to connect our cables directly to your equipment, or we can manufacture custom connectors for your specific application.
Silica-silica fibers consist entirely of high-purity quartz glass (silicon dioxide), both the core and the cladding. This construction offers:
- Extremely high temperature resistance up to 1000°C
- Optimal transmission in the UV range (below 300 nm)
- Excellent transmission in the NIR range (1000-2500 nm)
- Minimal absorption losses
Therefore, these fibers are primarily used in high-performance lasers, UV curing, and spectroscopy.
Quality / made in Germany
Our optical sensor technology systems are developed and manufactured to the highest quality standards at our facilities in Germany. We deliver fiber optic measurement solutions that provide reliable and precise data even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, chemically aggressive media or strong electromagnetic fields.
Our sensor heads and probes are tailored to your specific measurement tasks. Through extensive manufacturing depth and continuous quality controls in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, we ensure end-to-end traceability and process reliability, whether in process analytical technology (PAT), flame monitoring or industrial metrology. We support you from the initial specification through to series production.
Learn more
Do you need further information, a customized quote, or expert advice for your project? We are always available to assist you.
Reliability doesn’t happen by chance.
At FOS Inon Optics, quality is not just a promise—it is a standard that can be measured. Our development and manufacturing processes for fiber-optic systems are ISO 9001:2015 certified. This establishes the foundation for reliable performance, reproducible results, and trust wherever optical precision is critical.
