The conference embraces all research into guided wave optics and photonic systems for instrumentation, sensing and imaging, and their applications in physical, chemical and biological measurement, with emphasis on optical fibre and guided wave technology, and where ‘optics’ includes the spectrum from infra-red to ultra-violet. The scope extends from relevant theory and fundamental science to engineering realisation. Example fields of application include:

• Fundamental metrology and research
• Medicine and the life sciences
• Environmental monitoring and earth observation
• Defence, security and public safety
• Structural engineering and civil infrastructure
• Aerospace
• Oil, gas and mining
• Renewable energy
• Industry: metrology, process monitoring and machine vision

Deadline for paper submission is 28 April 2009.

Conference topics

The conference will include, but is not restricted to, the following topics:

1. Physical, Mechanical, Acoustic and Electromagnetic Sensors:
Temperature; pressure; strain; vibration; acceleration; flow; rotation; displacement; generation and detection of ultrasound; magnetic field; electric field; current; and voltage.

2. Chemical, Environmental, Biological, Biochemical and Medical Sensors, and Biophotonics:
Remote and fibre-addressed spectroscopy; environmental monitoring; Photonic principles, devices and instruments for biochemical sensing; in-vivo imaging and monitoring; optical coherence tomography; agent detection; trace analysis.

3. Interferometric and Polarimetric Sensors:
Gyroscopes; hydrophones; geophones; and acoustic sensor arrays.

4. Micro and Nano-Engineered Sensors and Devices:
Photonic crystals; hollow core fibres; nano-materials and nano-optical devices; micro-fluidic devices; diffractive optics.

5. Security and Defence Applications:
Bioagent and biohazard sensors; intrusion detection; perimeter security; coastal and underwater sensors.

6. Smart Structures and Materials:
Structural health monitoring; strain and deformation sensors; fibre embedding techniques; condition monitoring algorithms.

7. Distributed Sensing:
Time; frequency and coherence domain reflectometry; Rayleigh; Raman and Brillouin detection techniques; sensing cable systems and designs.

8. Multiplexing and Sensor Networking:
Topologies and theories; multiplexing techniques; applications.

9. Passive and Active Devices for Photonic Sensing:
Sources; detectors; modulators; specialty fibres; integrated optics devices; fibre Bragg gratings; MEMs; micro-optical components.

10. Systems and Field Tests:
Installations and field demonstration of photonic-based sensing systems; metrology projects; commercialisation activities and marketing.