Optics11 celebrates 15th anniversary with leading role in underwater and energy security
VU spin-off Optics11 develops advanced fibre-optic sensor systems for underwater detection at sea and sensing systems within energy infrastructure! Founded at VU University Amsterdam 15 year ago, we celebrate the anniversary through an interview with CEO Paul Heiden. He tells us all about how you can ‘listen ridiculously well using light’.
Fibre-optic sensors with keen hearing
The strength of the VU University Amsterdam spin-off Optics11 lies in the combination of innovative sensor technology and threat detection software. Much infrastructure runs along the seabed, for example. By connecting highly accurate fibre-optic sensors to it, which can ‘hear’ the slightest vibrations, sabotage and disruptions become immediately apparent!
Another application is within energy infrastructure. Optics11’s fibre-optic sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, allowing you to create a smart warning system that precisely identifies small signs of problems in the power grid. This prevents outages. CEO Paul Heiden explains:
“That is absolutely urgent! At the current rate of power grid expansion, there are hardly any transformers available to replace existing ones, even though they are often well past their planned lifespan. By ‘hearing’ leakage current at a very early stage, we enable power companies to carry out maintenance much sooner and thus structurally extend the lifespan of transformers.”
A real breakthrough has been achieved here: you can listen incredibly well using light.
Innovative sonar system for Royal Netherlands Navy submarines
Another technological breakthrough is Optics11’s involvement in the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new submarines. In collaboration with Thales, a comprehensive sonar system has been developed to provide advanced imaging of the underwater environment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening underwater surveillance and national security.
Paul Heiden emphasises the enormous importance of the science behind innovation. Optics11 celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and was co-founded by VU Amsterdam professor of experimental physics Davide Iannuzzi. Paul shares his thoughts:
“The submarine example really illustrates very well just how revolutionary Davide’s invention has been. Over the last few years, I have spoken to many large companies, all of which have tried to do the same thing as us. It speaks volumes that they have not succeeded. To build such a lead, you need an inventor, but also specialists who can turn it into a truly working product. That has been the work of Grzegorz Gruca, who is now our Chief Technology Officer!”
