Input/Output, Inc. and QinetiQ announce strategic alliance to jointly develop fiber-optic based seismic sensors and systems

Citation

(2002), "Input/Output, Inc. and QinetiQ announce strategic alliance to jointly develop fiber-optic based seismic sensors and systems", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722dab.010

Input/Output, Inc. and QinetiQ announce strategic alliance to jointly develop fiber-optic based seismic sensors and systems

Input/Output, Inc. and QinetiQ announce strategic alliance to jointly develop fiber-optic based seismic sensors and systemsKeywords: Fibre optics, sensors

Input/Output, Inc. and QinetiQ have announced the establishment of a strategic alliance to jointly develop fiber-optic based systems and sensors for seismic data acquisition systems for marine, in-well and ocean bottom environments (see Plate 4). The alliance will combine the I/O experience in developing seismic acquisition systems, with QinetiQ's more than 15 years of experience and proven expertise in developing fiber-optic based acoustic sensor technology, as the UK Government's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

Bjarte Fageraas, VP of Technology for I/O, stated, "We are delighted to be partnering with QinetiQ, one of the few companies that possesses real field experience with passive fiber-optic sensing technology. It is part of our continuing effort to partner with industry-leading technology providers to cost-effectively deliver a broad based portfolio of seismic acquisition solutions. Products developed by this alliance will be complementary to our VectorSeis(R) technology platform and will focus on rugged, next-generation seismic acquisition systems for high temperature and pressure environments."

Plate 4 Input/Output Inc.'s Sunset oil rig

"The commercialization of technologies into the oil and gas market from QinetiQ's MoD research and development program is a key element of our market strategy," explained Michael Gill, Fibre Optic Group Manager for QinetiQ. "Fiber-optic based sensors represent the next generation of sensing technology in this field and working with I/O on the development of seismic data acquisition systems based on our fiber-optic sensor technology will help us make a significant step forward. Our joint objective is to bring distinct benefits in terms of cost and reliability; particularly in the harshest deep water and deep well environments."

Input/Output, Inc., is an industry leader in seismic acquisition imaging technology for land, marine, transition zone and in-well exploration, production and reservoir monitoring. The company specializes in technology that creates value for the energy industry in the areas of 2D, 3D, 4D and multicomponent seismic data. Additional information on Input/Output, Inc. is available at http://www.i-o.com/, or via email at ir@i-o.com

QinetiQ (pronounced ki' ne tik as in "kinetic energy") is one of Europe's largest science and technology solutions providers. It was formed in July 2001 from the majority of DERA (The UK Government's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency) that incorporated the bulk of the UK MoD's non-nuclear research, technology and test and evaluation establishments in its heritage. Among its staff it employs many leading scientists and internationally acclaimed experts. It offers a unique range of services, consultancy advice and test facilities. These include indoor and outdoor ranges for air, land and sea launched weapon effectiveness trials, wind tunnels, underwater target ranges and marine testing facilities, automotive test tracks and climatic testing laboratories.

In March 2002, the UK MoD announced that it would be seeking to find a strategic partner to invest in QinetiQ as a stepping stone to an eventual flotation. This decision takes into account the poor market conditions which makes an Initial Public Offering (IPO) unattractive this year, while also recognizing the need to avoid the damage that a loss in momentum and a lack of investment would incur. As DERA, its pioneering research and development last century included the invention of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fiber, the technology for flat panel speakers, infra-red sensors and microwave radar, as well as Chobham armour, and shaped charges.

Web site: http://www.qinetiq.com/