Sensor Technology
Kompetenz in Glasfasern / Lichtfasern / Lichtleitern / Lichtleitfasern / Lichtwellenleitern…
With over 30 years of experience, we are your expert partner for high-quality fiber optic cables and sensor technology. At our location in Aßlar, we develop and manufacture customized solutions – from prototypes to large-scale production. Whether for laser technology, microscopy, or industrial process control: We guarantee the highest precision according to ISO 9001 and offer flexible adaptations for demanding environments.
Many Terms / for the Same Technology
We use this terminology:
- Optical fiber = raw fiber
- Fiber optic bundle = component of the fiber optic cable
- Fiber optic cable = light transmission cable
For over 30 years, we have been developing, manufacturing and assembling fiber optic cables in Aßlar from a wide variety of glass, quartz and plastic optical fibers for applications in optoelectronic sensor technology, laser technology and microscope illumination – in direct dialogue with our OEM customers. In addition, we manufacture coiled fiber optic bundles and extruded fiber optic cables in endless lengths, which our customers assemble themselves.
As experts in the field of development, manufacture and distribution of fiber optic components, we offer our customers special developments and prototypes in the shortest possible time, as well as larger series production according to the DIN ISO 9001 quality standard.
Sensor Fiber Optic Cables / from FOS Inon
Fiber optic sensors are special transducers for optical measuring methods. The basis is the use of optical fibers as a medium for signal transmission of light, usually in the infrared wavelength range. The measuring methods work without contact, and the change in various parameters of the light used is evaluated. These include, above all, the intensity, wavelength (color) and polarization, as well as the transit time of the signals.
Due to the fiber-specific advantages such as small dimensions, low weight, no electrical or magnetic components and resistance to external electromagnetic influences (EMC), fiber optic sensors can be used universally.
EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility. Electrical cables can be disrupted by strong magnetic fields, motors, or radio waves, distorting the signal. Fiber optic cables transmit light instead of electricity. They are completely immune to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, they are ideal for industrial environments with welding machines, large electric motors, or high-voltage systems—anywhere electrical signals would be disrupted.
Sensors / intrinsic
Optical fibers are transducers and thus both sensors and the line for signal transmission. Examples are:
- fiber optic pressure sensors
- fiber optic strain sensors
In these sensors, the change in the optical fibers, for example due to pressure or tension, is accompanied by a change in transmission or a shift in wavelength, which is ultimately evaluated by the receiver electronics.ng der Transmission oder Verschiebung der Wellenlänge, die letztendlich durch die Empfängerelektronik ausgewertet wird.
In intrinsic sensors, the optical fiber itself is the measuring element. It measures directly:
- Stretching: Tension on the fiber changes the light transmission.
- Pressure: Compression affects optical properties
- Temperature: Heat shifts the wavelength
The fiber optic cable is therefore both a sensor and a signal conductor in one. This is particularly useful in hard-to-reach or electromagnetically noisy locations.
Sensors / extrinsic
Here, the optical fiber merely serves as a transmitter of the measured variable detected by the sensor, which must be available as an optical signal. Examples are:
- fiber optic temperature sensors (pyrometers)
- fiber optic light barriers
In these sensors, states are detected by transmitter and receiver electronics, e.g. in high-temperature applications or in automation technology.
In extrinsic sensors, the fiber optic cable only serves as a transmission path, because the actual measurement takes place at the end of the fiber:
- Pyrometers: Measure temperatures through the infrared radiation of glowing objects
- Light barriers: Detect interruptions in a light beam
- Color sensors: Analyze reflected light
The advantage: The sensitive sensor remains protected, while the robust fiber optic cable reaches to the measuring point.
Application / industrial
You can achieve advantages through fiber optic technology in these areas:
- Automation technology: process control
- Industrial process control: transmission and reflection light guides
- Detection of smallest objects
- High-temperature applications: steelworks, coking plants
- Explosive environments
- Fire protection: flame monitoring
- Temperature measurement with pyrometers
- Liquids, chemicals: level measurement, leak detection
- Industrial lighting: illumination of critical process areas
- Microscopy: single/multi-arm gooseneck or ring light guides
- Laser technology: fiber optic beam guidance systems for high-power lasers in material processing
A pyrometer measures temperature without contact. It does this by detecting the thermal radiation (infrared light) emitted by glowing or hot objects. The hotter an object, the more and shorter-wavelength radiation it emits. Optical fibers transmit this radiation from the object to the detector. This enables temperature measurements in steel mills, coking plants, or glassworks, where ordinary thermometers would immediately melt.
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.
Unser Engagement / Ihr Vorteil
- Planung und Projektierung
- Bemusterungen
- Entwicklung und Konstruktion
- Licht-Manufaktur
- Zertifizierte Fertigung
- Montage und Service
- Seminare und Schulungen
… und vieles mehr!
Mehr erfahren
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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.
