5. March | 10:00-13:00
Foss, Dansrudveien 45, 3036 Drammen
Fiber-Optics Engineering for
Harsh Environments
From satellites to critical infrastructure
This half-day technical forum, hosted by Foss in collaboration with TE Connectivity, focuses on fiber-optic solutions used in space, defense and critical infrastructure.
Topics include MPO fiber assemblies for satellites, connectors produced by Foss for Amphenol’s space applications, and how these components are tested and qualified for launch and in-orbit conditions. The forum also covers next-generation expanded-beam connectors and fiber-based distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) from VIAVI for monitoring critical infrastructure.
The event is aimed at engineers and technical decision-makers who work with high-reliability systems and custom interconnect solutions. The program concludes with lunch and time for informal technical discussions.
AGENDA
10:00
Welcome & introduction
Speaker: Lars Fredrik Hajum, CEO, Foss Group
A brief welcome followed by an overview of Foss’ core values and our commitment to delivering solutions for demanding industrial, defence, and space applications.
10:10
High-volume production for the Space industry
Speaker: Ph.D Oskar Cermak, CTO, Foss Fibre Optics s.r.o.
How do you achieve space-grade quality while producing at industrial scale? Oskar Cermak will share Foss’ insights from supplying multi fiber optic solutions to top space sector customers - highlighting process design, testing and qualification, documentation, and proven methods for scaling to high volumes without compromising reliability.
10:40
3M™ Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) – technology and possibilities
Speaker: Ph.D Oskar Cermak, CTO, Foss Fibre Optics s.r.o.
An in-depth look at the 3M™ EBO latch connector: optical principle, mechanical design and what expanded-beam technology enables in harsh environments. The session compares EBO with traditional PC connectors and shows concrete applications in defense, transport and industrial systems.
11:00
TE Connectivity: Robust special connectors
Speaker: Sam Sell, TE Connectivity
TE Connectivity will present a selected range of rugged copper and fiber-optic connectors designed for extreme environments— including high shock, vibration, temperature, and moisture. The session will also highlight how local assembly in collaboration with Foss can reduce lead times and enable project-specific, customized solutions.
11:45
VIAVI: Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
Speaker: Kai Axel Hals, Product Manager, Foss Fiber Optics
Introduction to Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and how standard fiber can be used as a continuous sensor along critical infrastructure. The session explains the basic sensing principle, typical system architecture and real-world use cases.
12:00
Lunch
11:30
Factory tour
Speaker: Anders Aarnes, Production Manager, Foss Fiber Optics
Guided tour of the Foss production facilities i Drammen, focusing on processes, test equipment and quality routines for fiber optics for demanding environments.
SPEAKERS
Ph.D Oskar Cermak
CTO, Foss Fibre Optics s.r.o.
Oskar leads the development and industrialization of advanced fiber optic solutions for demanding space and defense applications at Foss Slovakia and Foss Norway.
With a PhD and more than 30 years of experience in optical technology and manufacturing, he combines deep theoretical insight with extensive hands-on expertise in qualifying products for some of the toughest environments in the industry.
Sam Sell
Business Development Engineer for Rugged Fibre Optics, TE Connectivity
Sam Sell is a Business Development Engineer for Rugged Fibre Optics at TE Connectivity, with more than ten years of experience in photonics and fiber optics across both technical and commercial roles. He holds a BSc in Physics & Astrophysics and has worked in engineering positions covering fiber-optic component and subsystem testing, application engineering, and the design of photonic components, optical systems and fiber-optic architectures.
Over the past years, he has held global product management, technical sales and business development roles, focusing on fiber-optic solutions for aerospace and defense, telecom, space, biomedical and industrial markets in the UK and Europe. Sam is also involved in industry standards committees for aerospace and space connectivity.
M. Sc. Kai Axel Hals
Product Manager, Foss Norway
Kai is Product Manager at FOSS Norway with 13 years of experience from the Norwegian fiber market, specializing in components for passive fiber networks.
He has worked in close cooperation with VIAVI for over ten years, focusing on measurement and sensing systems, covering both standard telecom measurements as well as advanced technologies such as DAS, DTS, and DTSS.