TNO Develops Optical Detector to Protect Subsea Cables
TNO’s new optical detector uses redundant optical fibers in subsea cables to detect maritime traffic vibrations, helping to protect underwater communication infrastructures from damage.
Background and Need for Innovation
The protection of subsea cables is of paramount importance given the critical role these infrastructures play in global communication and energy transmission. Recent concerns about potential sabotage, exemplified by the alleged Russian attack on the Nordstream pipelines, have highlighted the vulnerabilities of these underwater assets. This context underscores the significance of TNO’s latest development in safeguarding subsea cables against both intentional and unintentional damage[1].
How the Optical Detector Works
TNO’s optical detector leverages redundant optical fibers, also known as dark fibers, embedded within fiber-optic cables. These dark fibers function as sensors capable of detecting vibrations caused by various sources, including maritime traffic, earthquakes, and ocean waves. A device called a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) interrogator, connected to the cables, uses laser light to pick up these vibrations over long distances. An algorithm then processes this vibration data to pinpoint maritime traffic locations, cross-referencing with Automatic Identification System (AIS) data for verification[2].
Successful Testing and Deployment
The system has been successfully tested in the North Sea using cables from wind farms and telecommunications, each spanning over 100 kilometers. The tests demonstrated the system’s ability to detect and track ship movements near the seabed, even when ships turned off their AIS transponders. This capability is crucial for providing early warnings of suspicious maritime traffic, potentially preventing sabotage and other forms of damage to the infrastructure[3].
Key Figures and Future Implications
The development was spearheaded by geologists and geophysicists from the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, a part of TNO. Vincent Vandeweijer, a prominent geologist and geophysicist involved in the project, highlighted the effectiveness of using dark fibers for detecting ships near subsea cables. The system not only enhances maritime security but also strengthens national security by providing a technological warning to countries dependent on submarine infrastructures. With plans for full deployability within the next 1-2 years, this innovation marks a significant step forward in protecting vital underwater assets[4].
Broader Impact on the Industry
This innovation is particularly relevant to the fields of photonics and quantum computing, where optical technologies are integral. By advancing the use of optical fibers for security purposes, TNO’s development could inspire similar innovations across various sectors. Furthermore, the collaboration with the defense industry underscores the importance of protecting subsea cables from cyber-attacks and sabotage, which are growing concerns amid increasing geopolitical tensions[1].