Auniontech Eta100 L Ultra Fiber-Optic Hydrophone
| Brand | Auniontech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Austria |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Eta100 L Ultra |
| Price Range | USD 14,000 – 70,000 |
Overview
The Auniontech Eta100 L Ultra is a high-sensitivity, membrane-free fiber-optic hydrophone engineered for precision ultrasonic pressure measurement in liquid media. It operates on the principle of a rigid-air-gap Fabry–Pérot interferometer, where incident acoustic pressure modulates the refractive index of the air cavity—inducing phase shifts in reflected laser light. These optical phase variations are converted into proportional electrical signals via photodetection, enabling broadband, contactless acoustic sensing without mechanical transduction elements. Unlike piezoelectric or capacitive hydrophones, the Eta100 L Ultra contains no moving parts, diaphragms, or deformable structures; its all-optical architecture eliminates mechanical resonance artifacts and ensures flat frequency response across its specified bandwidth (50 kHz to 10 MHz). This design delivers exceptional long-term stability, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and intrinsic suitability for operation in harsh or electrically noisy environments—including MRI suites, pulsed-power facilities, and industrial laser processing zones.
Key Features
- Membrane-free optical sensing architecture based on air-gap Fabry–Pérot interferometry
- Ultra-broad acoustic bandwidth: 50 kHz to 10 MHz (flat response ±3 dB)
- High sensitivity: 12 mV/kPa (0 dB gain, 50 Ω load) with low intrinsic noise floor
- Self-noise level: 20 mPa (measured in 1 Hz bandwidth at 100 kHz)
- Dynamic range: 20 mPa to 1 MPa (140 dB linear operating span)
- Fiber-coupled design with single-mode SMF-28 input/output for seamless integration into existing optical setups
- Millimeter-scale sensor head (diameter ≤ 2.5 mm) enabling minimally invasive deployment in confined fluid volumes
- Full EMI/RFI immunity—certified for use in high-field electromagnetic environments
- Hermetically sealed stainless-steel housing rated for continuous immersion in water and common coupling fluids
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Eta100 L Ultra is optimized for use in aqueous and non-corrosive liquid media, including deionized water, ultrasound coupling gels, saline solutions, and selected organic solvents compatible with fused silica and stainless steel. It is not intended for use in strongly acidic, alkaline, or abrasive suspensions. The device complies with IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated RF immunity) and meets mechanical robustness requirements per ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, its performance characteristics align with ASTM E1001 (Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Metal Pipe and Tubing) and IEC 62127-1 (Ultrasonics—Hydrophones—Part 1: Measurement and characterization of medical ultrasonic fields) for calibration-grade hydrophone validation. Traceable calibration certificates (NIST-traceable reference standards) are available upon request.
Software & Data Management
The hydrophone interfaces via standard SMA-50 coaxial output (analog voltage signal) and supports synchronization with external DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments PXI, Keysight UXR, or Spectrum Instrumentation digitizers). Optional OEM firmware modules enable real-time FFT analysis, time-domain gating, and spectral averaging directly on host PCs. Data export formats include CSV, HDF5, and MATLAB .mat for post-processing in MATLAB, Python (SciPy/NumPy), or commercial acoustics software (e.g., Brüel & Kjær PULSE, Siemens Simcenter Testlab). Audit trails, user access logs, and electronic signatures can be implemented in compliance with GLP/GMP workflows when integrated with validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS and support cryptographic verification.
Applications
- Characterization of high-frequency ultrasound transducers (HIFU, therapeutic, and diagnostic arrays)
- Quantitative photoacoustic tomography (PAT) signal calibration and beam profiling
- In-situ monitoring of laser-induced breakdown (LIBS), laser ablation, and selective laser melting (SLM) processes
- Non-contact quality assurance of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) welds and adhesive bonds
- Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring during additive manufacturing build cycles
- Calibration of reference hydrophones in national metrology institutes
- Underwater acoustic field mapping in sonar development and naval research
- Real-time acoustic feedback control in robotic laser welding and micro-machining cells
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature and pressure rating for the Eta100 L Ultra?
The sensor head is rated for continuous operation up to 60 °C and static pressures up to 10 bar (1 MPa) in liquid immersion.
Can the Eta100 L Ultra be used in air or gas media?
No—it is specifically designed and calibrated for liquid-coupled operation; acoustic impedance mismatch renders it unsuitable for gaseous environments.
Is the device compatible with pulsed ultrasound sources exceeding 100 MPa peak pressure?
Yes, provided pulse duration remains below 1 µs and duty cycle is maintained below 0.1%; transient overload protection is built into the photoreceiver electronics.
Does the system require active temperature stabilization?
No—its passive thermal design and low thermo-optic drift (<0.02 nm/°C) ensure stable operation across ambient fluctuations from 15 °C to 35 °C.
Are custom calibration reports traceable to NIST or PTB available?
Yes—traceable calibrations performed at accredited third-party labs (e.g., NPL, PTB, or NIST-approved providers) are offered as optional add-ons with full uncertainty budgets.
