Here, Knight Optical dives into the world of subsea technologies and runs through the optical components that are used to guarantee their high performance.
Subsea Technologies: Optical Components in Deep Waters
Article from | Knight Optical
Without the development of subsea technologies, much of the knowledge and supplies we have today simply wouldn’t be available. This includes elements such as important findings from deep-sea exploration, precious resources from mining and means of delivering telecommunications across stretches of the ocean. Here, Knight Optical dives into the world of subsea technologies and runs through the optical components that are used to guarantee their high performance.
At Knight Optical, we work with a variety of subsea companies on everything from high-precision optical components for cameras and lights through to lasers, sensors and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). These systems are employed to conduct tasks that fall under the exploration and product of oil and gas categories – as well as other oceanography duties, such as studying aquatic ecosystems, for example.
Deep-Sea Technologies: AUVs and ROVs
Working at these deep-sea levels, coupled with the high dangers of working with oil and gas, means many tasks are undertaken via autonomous means, with ROVs, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robotics leading the way.
Many of these systems are used for important work such as inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations. For optimal implementation, some of these underwater mobile devices have joined forces to generate hybrid solutions that offer users the best of both worlds.
For example, USA-based robotic technology specialist Houston Mechatronics’ ‘Aquanaut’ transforms from an AUV into an ROV in less than 30 seconds, so it can commence tasks such as inspecting oil and gas infrastructure, operating valves and using tools1.
Another instance where the benefits of the manoeuvrability and long-distance cruising of AUVs and the hands-on capabilities of undertaking more complex tasks that are associated with ROVs come together is Oceaneering’s Freedom Autonomous Vehicle. Again, combining the characteristics of an AUV and ROV, the Freedom is dubbed as a next-generation subsea vehicle and is intended to undertake tasks like “pipeline and seabed surveys, close visual inspection and light intervention activities2“.
What Optical Components Are Used for Subsea Technologies?
As members of the Global Underwater Hub (GUH), we have a long-standing history of supplying our premium, high-precision optic components to engineers and manufacturers within the subsea technologies industry.
Particularly popular amongst our customer base are viewports and protection dome ports to protect internal camera systems from water ingress and impact damage. Due to the environment that these viewports and domes will be subjected to, the durability and longevity of any components play a key role in effective operation.
As well as our stock components (most ready for next-day dispatch), our bespoke optics are equally prevalent in this field thanks to their customisable options – such as tailored dimensions, optical coatings and substrates, the latter of which is highly beneficial for those looking for a project- or waveband-specific materials for optimal transmission and optic components that can stand up to high-pressure, underwater atmospheres.
What Substrates Are Commonly Used for Subsea Technologies?
Three substrates that are typically used for viewports and domes are:
BK7 (or equivalent)
Commonly used for submersible ROVs in the form of Optical Domes, BK7 (or equivalent) substrates offer two leading characteristics in underwater environments – durability and high transmission.
With excellent transmission from 300nm up to 2µm, BK7 is a relatively hard material with excellent chemical durability and is typically used for high-pressure viewports and underwater cameras.
Sapphire (Al2O3)
Known as one of the hardest materials on earth, Sapphire (Al2O3) is another popular substrate for windows and viewports of submersible applications.
At Knight Optical, our custom-made range of Sapphire Windows are particularly popular amongst those specifying optical components for underwater devices. As such, we offer a variety of options to meet a wide range of requirements. We provide custom Sapphire Windows at a zero-degree plane, C-cut plane, and random-cut plane, usually cut along a plane that is 60° off-axis.
To learn more about our custom-made Sapphire Windows, click here.
Gorilla® Glass
Last but by no means least in our submersible substrate line up is Gorilla® Glass, a brand name most of us are familiar with. Chemically strengthened to provide excellent scratch resistance, Gorilla® Glass Windows are normally used as cover glass to protect devices’ displays – you’ll commonly find them on everyday items such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Offering great performance in the visible range, Gorilla® Glass is also an ideal substrate for windows and viewports in submersible applications.
To discover our range of Gorilla® Glass windows, please click here
The Future of Subsea Technologies & Engineering
The future looks bright for subsea technologies and engineering. Our partnership with the Global Underwater Hub (GUH) and cooperation with leaders in the subsea provide us with first-hand industry insights into the industry of tomorrow.
This includes growth in sales and project demand in the world of robotics, ROVs, AUVs and underwater LiDAR (light detection and ranging) devices – the latter of which we also have a strong relationship with – as well as brand-new, dedicated subsea events and innovations on the horizon.
Commenting on the industry and our involvement in the field, Colin Overton, Knight Optical’s CEO, says:
“It couldn’t be a more exciting time to be working in the field of subsea technologies and engineering, and we’re looking forward to working with manufacturers and engineers on next-generation, pioneering underwater devices.
“It’s an industry we’ve played a part in for a long time, and the innovations that arise from this sector never cease to amaze myself and the team at Knight Optical.”
Why Choose Knight Optical for your Application?
Discerning customers rely on Knight Optical not only for the premium quality of our output and in-house state-of-the-art Metrology Laboratory and QA Department’s capabilities but because – as well as a range of Stock Optics (available for next-day dispatch) – we also offer our optics as Custom-Made Components.
With over three decades of experience under our belt and a host of long-standing world-renowned customers on our books, we are proud to have worked on some of the most ground-breaking innovations.
If you are looking for premium-quality, bespoke optical components, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Technical Sales Team here.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow
Knight Optical (USA) LLC
We are a trusted leading global figure in the production and distribution of scientific, stock and custom precision optics with over 30 years' experience providing optical solutions for a huge range of instrumentation in most industrial and research sectors, building strong reliable relationships. Our team supplies customized precision optical components in UV-VIS-NIR materials. No product is released to the customer until it has been examined in our advanced metrology laboratory.
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