EXOCET Luna Technology FO interrogator by Pixel sur Mer

The FO interrogator Exocet is a key component of our structural monitoring solution using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology. It is designed to measure strain and temperature directly on composite or metallic structures, validate manufacturing processes, recalibrate numerical models dedicated to structural sizing, and monitor in-service loads to prevent failures.

The Exocet interrogator integrates three main functions:

A light source transmitter.A signal converter.A spectrum analyzer.Its operating principle is based on sending light through the optical fiber, where Bragg grating sensors reflect part of the light beam. The interrogator then receives this reflected light to deduce the wavelength specific to each sensor.

Here are the key technical specifications of the EXOCET SBI interrogator for 1550, 1460, and 1620 nm wavelengths:

Number of channels: 4 channelsSpectral window: 1460–1620 nmWavelength resolution: 1 pm (approximately 1.2 µε and 0.1°C)Sampling rate: Up to 100 HzOptical connector type: LC-APCAcquisition connection type: Ethernet (TCP/IP protocol)

When purchasing the Exocet interrogator, the package includes:

The Enlight user software.A watertight and shockproof carrying case.An Ethernet cable.A power supply.A user guide and a Quick Start guide.

Yes, the Exocet interrogator is specifically designed for the most demanding marine environments. Its robustness has been proven during sea measurement campaigns on fast intervention rigid inflatables and during offshore racing competitions such as the Vendée Globe, the Route du Rhum, and the Arkea Ultim Challenge. Its corrosion-resistant aluminum housing ensures its lightness and durability.

The Exocet interrogator has 4 interrogation channels and can accommodate up to 100 strain measurement points. On average, it supports about 20 FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors per channel.

The Exocet interrogator requires a supply voltage of 9-36 VDC and has an average power consumption of 20 W.

Its operating conditions are:

Temperature: -20 to 60°CMaximum humidity: 80%

The Exocet interrogator has dimensions of 290 x 210 x 80 mm and weighs 2.48 kg. Its aluminum housing contributes to its light weight.

The Exocet interrogator ships with the Enlight user software. For data visualization, the Exocet Blue unit, an optional add-on product, is also available.

Data acquisition with the Exocet interrogator is performed via an Ethernet connection using the TCP/IP protocol.

The Exocet Blue box is an optional complementary product for managing and displaying data. It enables the display of information derived from the wavelengths reflected by each sensor.

The Exocet interrogator is designed to measure strain and temperature directly on composite or metal structures.

The Exocet interrogator offers several advanced applications, including:

Validation of the manufacturing process and early detection of deviations. Recalibration of numerical models dedicated to structural sizing. Monitoring of in-service loads to prevent failures and optimize maintenance intervals. Integration with embedded monitoring or alarm systems for early detection of structural stresses, thus avoiding critical failures.

The Exocet interrogator uses LC-APC optical connectors.

The Exocet interrogator's housing is made of aluminum. This material choice provides lightweight properties and corrosion resistance, essential qualities for use in demanding environments, particularly marine applications.