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CASE STUDIES
xDAS
Our distributed acoustic sensing platforms are used in a range of scientific, engineering, and industrial applications providing strain and vibration measurements to support both operational decision-making and fundamental research. These case studies summarise collaborative projects with leading research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners, demonstrating how our technologies contribute to advancing applied monitoring and enabling new scientific discoveries. By integrating laboratory experiments, field deployments, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, these studies illustrate how HR-DAS and xDAS facilitate breakthroughs in geophysics, materials science, and structural engineering, while also delivering practical solutions for asset integrity, safety, and infrastructure resilience.
Submarine Cable Condition Monitoring
In a test funded by the Carbon Trust, we deployed our xDAS system to detect events that pose potential threats to high-voltage subsea cables, such as anchor drops, fishing vessel activity, and deliberate cable interference. The testing was conducted using a purpose-built rig at the Tony Davis High Voltage Laboratory (TDHVL) at the University of Southampton.
Surface Wave Analysis
In this study, we assessed fibre coupling methods for surface-deployed xDAS in seismic surveys, comparing results with geophone data. Coupled fibres captured signals over tens of metres with good phase agreement, while uncoupled fibres were effective up to ~10 m. Despite some amplitude differences, xDAS proved suitable for rapid, temporary deployment and horizontal ground motion sensing.
Smart City
In a joint test with BT, we connect BT’s dark fibre to our xDAS and map traffic flow along an A-road in the UK. This demonstrates how existing fibre networks can be repurposed for smart city applications, enabling real-time traffic monitoring and improved transport management. The same technology can also support subsurface infrastructure monitoring, offering early detection of issues in pipelines, utilities, and tunnels to enhance urban resilience.
Optical Fibre Cable Response to Seismic Waves
In a controlled study organised by NPL, we used both interferometric and xDAS to measure the response of submarine telecom cables to seismic and acoustic waves, validated against geophones, seismometers, and microphones. Results revealed unexpected broadside sensitivity, a fast-wave arrival likely due to metal armour coupling, and significant waveform differences between fibres within the same cable.
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