Research

Lorem ipsum

In the dynamic realm of photonics-based sensor technology at B-PHOT, we picture a world where precision meets sustainability, and where real-life challenges are not just obstacles but stepping stones to a greener future and a better planet.

2023 marked the end of our efforts within the Clean Sky 2 project SHERLOC. Clean Sky 2 is a joint undertaking between the European aeronautics industry and the European Commission, that aims to develop cleaner air transport technologies for earliest possible deployment. That means integrating, demonstrating and validating technologies capable of reducing CO₂, NO_x and noise emissions by 20 to 30% compared to ‘state-of-the-art’ aircraft entering into service as from 2014. SHERLOC’s main focus was sensor technology, system validation and integration, global systems and regulatory guidance in the context of a condition-based maintenance concept for composite fuselage enabled by structural health monitoring techniques. The conclusive assessments for the SHERLOC project entailed conducting tests on expansive, curved panels measuring 5 x 3 m², which faithfully simulated a composite airplane hull. We installed optical fiber sensors in strategic locations on the panels known for heightened susceptibility to impact-induced damage. The fiber sensors successfully identified instances of impact damage, and further measurements were conducted during the mechanical loading of the panels to monitor the progression of damage. These experiments represented the ultimate validation of the fiber sensors for aerospace damage detection, marking the advancement of the technique to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6).

Thermal grids play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency and contributing to sustainable urban development. Their integration aligns with broader sustainability goals by optimizing the use of thermal energy resources and reducing the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems. The OPTIMESH project, funded as part of the Flanders innovation & Entrepreneurship cluster Flux50, responds to the needs of the thermal grid industry. In that context, we have formulated two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element method-based models for thermal grid water pipes situated both in air and within a soil environment. These computational models serve the purpose of evaluating spatiotemporal patterns of variables such as water temperature, pressure, and flow velocity. They enable the determination of heat losses within the pipes. We have constructed a laboratory-scale experimental arrangement for measuring distributed water temperatures using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR). The initial experimental phase involved the placement of two distinct types of sensing fibers inside the water pipe. The temperature distributions observed through the optical fibers closely align with the outcomes of our simulations. Efforts are now underway to establish a larger experimental setup, featuring a pipe segment submerged in soil.

Bolted flange connections play a crucial role in industrial process plants. They serve as interconnections between piping systems and process flow equipment. Ensuring their leak-tight operation is essential for personnel safety, for environmental protection, and for decreasing CO₂-emissions. We effectively demonstrated smart gaskets, incorporating fiber Bragg grating-based sensors, at five prospective customer locations within the (petro)chemical sector and the Asset Performance Conference in Antwerp. Consequently, we are initiating field trials in collaboration with industry stakeholders. These intelligent gaskets provide real-time monitoring functionalities for sealing applications. The incorporation of fiber Bragg grating sensors enables proactive maintenance and avoid emissions, thereby reducing downtime and transforming the reliability of industrial assets. This work is conducted in close collaboration with ERIKS Belgium.

Transitioning from sustainability to health- and life-sciences, 2023 also marked the end of the Excellence of Science project CHARMING funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders, the objective of which was to exploit the cutting-edge potential of optical fiber-based sensors to produce a novel class of devices for detecting cancer cells with unprecedented sensitivity. CHARMING held its closing event as a highlight of the European Workshop on Optical Fiber Sensors – EWOFS 2023, organized in collaboration with the University of Mons (Belgium). The “Topical Conference on Optical Fibre Biosensing & Imaging” welcomed invited talks from international experts in the field. The project also culminated with Olga Rusyakina celebrating her PhD graduation with a brilliant dissertation on “Photonic crystal fiber with cascaded fiber Bragg gratings for plasmonic refractometry and biosensing”.

In 2023, we’ve set the stage for a revolution in metrology with a sustainable and healthy twist, and we can’t wait for what’s coming in 2024.