Francis Berghmans

Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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About

Francis Berghmans is a leading figure in the field of photonic sensing, with a particular focus on developing robust optical fiber sensor technologies for extreme environments. His key research areas include fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, radiation-resistant optical systems, and advanced sensor integration for harsh industrial and scientific applications. Berghmans made major contributions by pioneering the use of multiplexed FBG strain sensors for multi-component force sensing in electromagnetically noisy environments, such as robotic control systems, where traditional electrical sensors fail. His work on radiation-resistant wavelength-division multiplexed optical links has been instrumental for instrumentation in thermonuclear fusion reactors, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), addressing the critical need for remote monitoring under high gamma and neutron radiation. Additionally, he advanced the embedding of optical fiber sensors in flexible polymer foils, solving multiplexing and interconnection challenges in sensing arrays. With his most cited paper accumulating 46 citations, Berghmans’ research has directly enabled reliable sensing in some of the most demanding settings on Earth, bridging the gap between fundamental photonics and real-world resilience.