Brillouin systems provide long-route strain and temperature profiles. Interferometric and OFDR systems offer different reach, spatial granularity and update-rate trade-offs. INTERLAB selects the architecture from the engineering objective rather than from one headline maximum.
Brillouin frequency shift (BFS)
In a selected reference state, the Brillouin peak is typically near 10.8 GHz at 1550 nm. Around an operating point, BFS changes approximately with strain and temperature. Typical silica-fiber coefficients are about 0.05 MHz/µε and 1.1 MHz/°C; coefficients used for measurement require calibration for the actual fiber and system.
Note (the crux of DTSS): the same BFS shift can come from strain or from temperature. Separating the two is a topic of its own (an additional measurement, purpose-built cables, combining Brillouin with Rayleigh). Values are schematic.
The strain profile along a structure
Measurements at successive locations defined by the selected spatial-resolution mode form a strain profile. Local changes can support earlier inspection and trend-based condition assessment; they do not by themselves guarantee that damage will be predicted.
Where DTSS earns its keep
Pipelines and ground
A measured strain-profile change can indicate ground movement, landslide-related deformation or pipeline deformation when strain transfer from the ground or asset to the sensing cable has been verified.
Structures
Bridges, dams, tunnels and buildings — continuous strain measurement (SHM) wherever individual strain gauges are not enough.
Wells and geotechnics
Well integrity, CCS and geothermal monitoring, reservoir behaviour — including with ultra-sensitive systems.
DTSS at INTERLAB
INTERLAB supplies distributed strain and temperature sensing systems:
More on high-density measurement: how OFDR works →
* Manufacturer maxima refer to specific products, operating modes and channel counts; they are not necessarily available simultaneously. Coverage, spatial granularity, measurement rate and uncertainty are confirmed for the selected configuration and application conditions.
Strain is relative deformation in µε, not mechanical stress in Pa. Stress can only be inferred using material properties, geometry, boundary conditions and a validated structural model. The 600 µε animation threshold is illustrative.
For selection, provide monitored length, one- or two-ended access, required spatial resolution, strain range, temperature-compensation strategy, acquisition time and cable installation or bonding method.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
If BFS depends on strain and temperature, how are they separated?
What range and spatial resolution does Brillouin DSS/DTSS offer?
Does distributed strain sensing measure mechanical stress?
How is DSS/DTSS different from DAS?
Need a strain profile for engineering decisions?
Send the monitored length, access topology, required spatial resolution, strain range, temperature conditions and cable installation method. We will compare the appropriate Brillouin, interferometric or high-definition sensing configuration.
Request a strain-sensing configuration →