Fiber Optic Sensors

MTI Instruments provides high-performance fiber optic sensors and probes engineered for applications requiring large measurement ranges and extended standoff distances. These non-contact, modular sensor systems feature interchangeable probes and dual-channel capability, allowing for simultaneous measurements of displacement, position, or vibration at two points. Designed for precision and flexibility, they excel as fiber optic position sensors, motion sensors, and optical displacement sensors in environments where conventional technologies are limited by physical contact or EMI interference.

Our advanced fiber optic probes automatically compensate for significant variations in surface reflectivity, enabling accurate monitoring across a dynamic reflectance range of up to 100:1. This makes them ideal for challenging applications such as ultrasonic horn vibration analysis, modal analysis of disk drive suspensions, fuel injector displacement and timing, radial runout detection, and lateral motion tracking. Whether used in laboratory testing or integrated into high-speed production lines, these systems deliver reliable, high-resolution data making them a trusted solution for engineers needing robust displacement fibre optic sensors.

Fiber Optic MTI 2100 Fotonic Sensor

Fotonic Plug-in Module

Key Features & Benefits of MTI Fiber Optic Sensors

  • True Non-Contact Measurement
    Ideal for fragile or moving targets—eliminates sensor-induced interference.
  • High-Resolution Displacement Detection
    Achieves resolutions down to 0.01 µin (2.5 angstroms) with linear output over wide displacement ranges.
  • Dual Channel Design
    Enables simultaneous displacement and motion measurements at two locations—perfect for modal analysis and synchrony tracking.
  • Fiber Optic Position Sensing
    Accurate tracking of position and lateral movement with no physical contact—ideal for applications in hard-to-reach or high-vibration environments.
  • Edge Detection & Motion Sensing
    The Fotonic Edge Probe accurately detects radial displacement, runout, and vibration at speeds up to 500 kHz, even on thin or low-reflectivity targets.
  • Insensitive to Reflectivity
    Reflectance-compensated probe designs maintain accuracy across dark, shiny, or irregular surfaces.
  • Immunity to EMI & Harsh Conditions
    Fully optical design operates reliably in high-temperature, corrosive, or high electromagnetic noise environments.
  • Flexible Probe Options
    Includes bent tip, prism, and edge probes to match varied application needs including lateral motion, edge sensing, and confined space measurements.

Applications for Fiber Optic Displacement and Motion Sensing

MTI’s fiber optic sensors are engineered to perform in demanding applications, including:

  • Displacement measurement of fuel injectors, solenoids, and actuators
  • Vibration monitoring in ultrasonic horns and rotating equipment
  • Radial runout detection in computer disk drives and magnetic tapes
  • Modal analysis of suspension assemblies and structural components
  • Edge tracking in web, tape, and blade positioning
  • Non-contact motion sensing in high-speed packaging lines
  • Position feedback in automated test and inspection systems
  • Distance sensing in vacuum, high-temperature, or corrosive environments

FAQs

A fiber optic displacement sensor uses reflected light to measure changes in distance or position without physical contact. It is ideal for precision measurement in environments with vibration, high temperature, or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Fiber optic sensors offer superior immunity to EMI, can operate in extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions, and provide high-resolution, non-contact measurements—making them more versatile and reliable for sensitive or dynamic applications.

Yes. With dual-channel capability, the MTI 2100 can measure both vibration and displacement in real-time using separate probes. This is ideal for modal analysis, structural testing, and dynamic system diagnostics.

Yes. Our reflectance-compensated probes automatically adjust to large changes in target reflectivity, ensuring stable and accurate measurements on metals, plastics, composites, and glass.

Absolutely. The Fotonic Edge Probe is specifically designed for lateral motion and edge detection, offering sub-micron sensitivity ideal for product drop detection, web alignment, and thin-edge displacement measurement.

Yes. MTI sensors provide both analog (0–10 Vdc) and RS-232 digital output, making them easy to integrate with DAQ systems, PLCs, or PC-based monitoring platforms.