Project description
Global sensing network integrated with existing fibre optic networks
Earth is covered by a vast, interconnected network of fibre optic cables, essential to modern telecommunications. Leveraging this for sensing could be a low-cost way to gain tremendous capacity for functionalities, including advanced link surveillance, geophysical, and climate monitoring, and public safety enhancement. The ERC-funded SENSE project aims to develop an innovative fibre-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) architecture that solves the biggest challenge for DAS – compatibility with the existing global telecom infrastructure. SENSE will use a Fourier optics-derived signal processing methodology. It relies on a passive amplification process with de-noising capabilities based on cutting-edge array illuminators. The technology will support simultaneous DAS and data transmission in both short-haul and long-haul (transoceanic) links.
Objective
SENSE aims at developing an innovative fibre-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) architecture completely compatible with contemporary telecom infrastructure worldwide. Our planet is interlaced with a vast network of optical fibres, forming the backbone of modern telecommunications. Leveraging that massive infrastructure as a global sensing network may be truly transformational, leading to unprecedented means for advanced link surveillance, geophysical and climate exploration and public safety enhancement with minimal investment. While the potential of DAS is breathtaking due to its high sensitivity, excellent localization capabilities and linearity, the compatibility between data transmission and distributed sensing remains a fundamental, unsolved problem. Current approaches for increasing the limited range of DAS (~100 km) induce crosstalk on data channels, while the need for ultra-narrow linewidth lasers critically elevates their cost, preventing their massive deployment.
I plan to solve this compatibility challenge by incorporating a disruptive signal processing methodology derived from the Fourier optics discipline in DAS systems. This methodology involves a passive amplification arrangement with denoising capabilities based on temporal Talbot array illuminators (T-TAI). T-TAI processing will allow reduce additive and phase noise in 30 dB, with unparalleled impact on operation range and relaxation of laser linewidth requirements. In long-haul links, a smart WDM architecture and specific T-TAI-based optical repeaters will be designed, ensuring the co-existence of DAS and data traffic on the same fibre along transoceanic links (>1000 of km) with minimal infrastructure modifications. In short-haul links, the cost of DAS interrogators will be reduced by a factor of 100, in line with the cost of current transceivers.
The new DAS architecture will enable a live global sensing network with outstanding impact on economy, climate and wellbeing of society.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering signal processing
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics mathematical analysis fourier analysis
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks optical networks
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28801 Alcala De Henares/Madrid
Spain
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