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Fiber-Optic Mics Eavesdrop on Thieves

OptaSense can identify footsteps, vehicles from miles away

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2009 6:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – Major oil companies are relying on a new fiber-optic technology to keep an underground ear on intruders, the Independent reports. Devised by a British defense firm, the OptaSense system consists of microphones placed along sensitive fiber-optic cables already laid underground. The cables sense vibrations, the mics pick it up, and OptaSense compares the signals with other sound samples to identify what's afoot.

Created to improve security at airports, borders, and major world events like the Olympic Games or G8 summit, OptaSense can parse signals up to 25 miles away. "What you get is an intelligent hearing device, buried underground," says a director of the project. "People are amazed when they see that it can be configured to tell different types of vehicles apart—or tell if a person is walking or running."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

A British defense firm has designed a system for laying virtual microphones along pre-existing fiber-optic cables to listen in on intruders. (Shutterstock)

Reeltender Mo Laussie watches fiber-optic cable as he helps install the cable unto telephone poles June 21, 2001 in Louisville, CO. (Getty Images)

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People are amazed when they see that it can be configured to tell different types of vehicles apart or tell if a person is walking or running towards the area you are monitoring.
- Magnus McEwen-King, managing director, OptaSense

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Silverbow7

Aug 24, 2009 1:03 AM CDT

We all know what this means. Sooner or later...

youngblood

Aug 22, 2009 8:17 AM CDT

ClearSight I disappointed in that you use to be the # 1 Commenter who didn't like my comments now you're running 2nd to Reader606... so can u pick it up a little there ClearSight? !

AnnieChrist

Aug 22, 2009 8:06 AM CDT

Improving border security, aiport security, and safety at large events, yep, that is surely turning technology against the people. Clearshite and osama bin ladin think alike. You can bet that the previous set of meglomanics occupying Washington, DC would have installed the listening devices in our homes if they had held on to power.

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Independent (UK) (Source Grid »)

Technology • World

oil • terrorism • counterterrorism • surveillance • Fiber optics • oil production • fiber optic cables

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Fiber-Optic Mics Eavesdrop on Thieves