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Optical Electric Field Sensors
- By Blair Nimmo
- Published 12th December, 2007
- Telecommunications
- Unrated
Blair Nimmo
Blair owned one of the largest independent electro-optic suppliers in Europe. He has now started BBN International to address the re-emerging fibre-optic markets of datacom, telecom, aerospace and sensors. An Electronic Engineer, Blair developed marine satellite communication and medical image analysis systems going on to develop a software business. BBN International is based in rural Shropshire and is committed to changing the way companies do business to the benefit of the environment.
View all articles by Blair NimmoThe demand for equipment, vehicles and environments to both limit the electromagnetic radiation they produce and their vulnerability to external signals has generated the need for better instruments to measure these signals. The increasing number of wireless devices requires better aerial characterisation.

Based on original work when under the banner of NEC Tokin, Seikoh Giken have continued to develop this technology and have announced their latest Optical Electrical Field Sensors (OEFS). Using the Pokel effect of LiNbO3 crystals, electric fields modulate a remote fibre delivered laser which is then detected remotely.
With a new miniaturised OEFS-S1 version and the slightly larger but very much more sensitive OEFS-NS model, the range is topped with the ultra sensitive resonance type OEFS-RC.
The limited use of metal and the elimination of electrical power in the sensor means the electric field is not distorted by the measurement. The sensor is connected by optical fibres to a compact instrument.
BBN International supplies this and other unique Seikoh Giken technology. For more information visit the web site at http://www.bbnint.co.uk/passive_devices/sensors.asp
Background
BBN International Limited was formed in 2005 as a specialist supplier of high performance, quality fibre-optic instruments, components and consumables to the British Isles datacom, telecom, aerospace and sensor markets. As a privately owned company, it selects suppliers, technology and products independently.
Press support
More information can be obtained by contacting BBN International directly on 0845 3655061 or visiting the web site at www.bbnint.co.uk.
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