Fiber Optic Sensing in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Fiber optic sensors are highly robust, easily deployable, adapted to confined spaces, and often a cost-effective choice. Fiber optic interrogators come in a variety of designs, each leveraging different optical principles. Additionally, advancements in engineered fiber technology are becoming increasingly prevalent, expanding the capabilities and applications of fiber-based sensing. As the technology advances and costs decreases, these sensors are steadily being applied beyond borehole seismology to more fields including seismic hazards, structural health monitoring, and environmental monitoring. At Los Alamos National Laboratory, fiber optic sensors play a significant role across various programs, from energy research to national security. In this talk, I will provide a brief overview of fiber optic sensing technology, including key considerations for selecting interrogators and optimizing settings. I will then highlight recent scientific findings at LANL, including applications in fluid flow characterization, well bore integrity monitoring, pushing the limits of detectable phenomena, and fiber sensors for planetary exploration. LA-UR-25-22164