VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) announced the launch of its fiber test head for distributed acoustic sensing (FTH-DAS) to enhance its NITRO Fiber Sensing solution. The device is a distributed acoustic sensing interrogator that includes embedded artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.

The FTH-DAS interrogator enables multi-event detection and localization with real-time event classification across multiple fibers directly on the device. The system uses what the company describes as patented phase-stepping interferometry technique to recover optical phase from Rayleigh backscatter.

"By combining on-device Machine Learning alongside a patented true-phase DAS technique, the VIAVI FTH-DAS delivers the enhanced measurement accuracy and interpretation needed for real-time intelligence," said Kevin Oliver, Vice President and General Manager, Fiber and Access Solutions at VIAVI.

The technology allows the device to measure physical quantities including strain, vibration amplitude, frequency and acoustic power. The AI and machine learning models operate at the edge on the FTH-DAS device without requiring external processing.

Distributed acoustic sensing technology uses optical fibers to detect and locate damage and potential threats over long distances. Applications include threat identification for data centers and telecom network cables, security surveillance, and monitoring of critical infrastructure such as pipeline leak detection.

The company stated that its AI and machine learning event detection models were developed using historical data collected over decades. The system provides automatic model updates and continuous adaptation through what VIAVI describes as a private or company-managed cloud-based ecosystem.

VIAVI Solutions is a test and measurement company that provides optical technologies for infrastructure monitoring across various sectors including communications, military, aerospace, and automotive markets.