Silixa iDSS

Silixa iDSS™

Intelligent distributed static strain sensor (DSS) with microstrain resolution

Why choose the iDSS™ system?

The iDSS™ is a breakthrough in long-term structural and ground monitoring: absolute static strain measurement along the entire optical fiber, with best-in-class resolution and a uniquely short measurement time. Choosing this system ensures:

• Resolution below 1 με: the finest distributed static strain measurements — the system captures changes undetectable by classic surveying methods.
• Full profile in 0.1 s: a complete strain distribution along the entire fiber with every laser pulse — recording up to 10 Hz, unique in the class of static sensors.
• Absolute measurement: the iDSS™ measures absolute strain (not just changes relative to a start point), which simplifies long-term trend analysis and comparisons between measurement campaigns.
• Range over 50 km: monitoring of entire trunk lines (pipelines, cables, embankments) with a single unit; with a known strain profile, temperature measurement over extreme distances is also possible.
• Data fusion with other Silixa sensors: joint operation with iDAS™/Carina (acoustics) and ULTIMA™ DTS/XT-DTS (temperature) allows the effects of temperature and strain to be separated — 2 Pt100 probes for temperature correction are included.
• Standard SM and MM fibers: operation on ordinary single-mode and multimode cables, including existing infrastructure.

Technical specifications:

Main applications:

• Geotechnics: monitoring of ground subsidence (mining damage, subsidence troughs), slope stability and landslides.
• Critical infrastructure: long-term strain monitoring of pipelines, railway embankments, tunnels, bridges and dams.
• Energy and offshore: fast, absolute strain measurements of risers and subsea cables.
• Hybrid systems: joint operation with DAS and DTS in a single installation — a complementary view of strain, acoustics and temperature on the same fiber.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

How does the iDSS™ differ from DAS systems (iDAS™, Carina)?
DAS records dynamic acoustic events and vibrations (time-varying signals), whereas the iDSS™ measures static, absolute strain of the fiber — slow processes such as subsidence, slope creep or structural deflection, which are invisible to DAS.

Can the iDSS™ measure temperature?
Yes — in an environment with a known strain profile, the iDSS™ can act as a temperature sensor, especially over very long distances (with the option to extend range through remote optical amplification). For typical temperature tasks, however, DTS (ULTIMA™/XT-DTS™) remains the recommended choice.

How does the system handle separating temperature and strain?
Simultaneous iDSS™ + DTS acquisition from Silixa enables optimal temperature correction and accurate, simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature in an environment where both factors change in an unknown way. The unit also has 2 Pt100 inputs for temperature reference.