Bold Engineering at SEG 2014: Silicon Audio's New Low-Noise Optical Seismometer to Change Oil Exploration

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Bold Engineering at SEG 2014: Silicon Audio's New Low-Noise Optical Seismometer to Change Oil Exploration

Silicon Audio Brings Optics Technology to Traditional Land, Marine, and Scientific Seismic Sensors

DENVER, Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SEG 2014 - Silicon Audio, a technology innovation company, today announced its low-noise optical seismometer at the 2014 SEG International Exposition in Denver, booth #2188. The new seismic sensor is the same size and shape as a conventional geophone, but it uses optics technology to record much lower frequencies at a previously unachievable noise floor. The new measurements enabled by Silicon Audio's low-noise optical seismometer will help to close the gap between exploring for oil and definitively finding it.

"At Silicon Audio, we've engineered a new way to detect seismic data. By combining the reliable mechanics of the conventional geophone with optics technology, our new seismometer captures more data with greater sensitivity than has been previously possible using a single geophone or scientific instrument," said Coe Schlicher, CEO of Silicon Audio. "In an industry where exploration is increasingly challenging and requires greater adaptability in tougher terrain, our optical seismometer offers scientific-grade performance and wide dynamic range in a rugged, easy-to-deploy form factor. We're now looking for forward-thinking companies to partner with us and leverage our sensor's advantages in the market."

The low-noise optical seismometer uses a laser to read the motion of a vibrating proof mass, achieving a high signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio and recording lower frequencies compared to existing geophone technology. It has versatile broadband response capabilities and delivers high-quality data at both large- and small-signal levels simultaneously. The rugged, reliable seismometer integrates seamlessly into existing geophone architectures without any special handling.

Marine, Land, and Scientific Use

The Silicon Audio optical seismometer combines the rugged and reliable form factor of traditional geophones and powerful measurement capabilities of scientific instruments, offering a single seismometer that can take scientific-grade measurements and be deployed in places that previously required multiple units.

With the optical seismometer, engineers in marine applications can detect low-frequency (sub 1Hz) signals with high fidelity, translating to an additional decade of low-frequency data for deeper imaging into the seafloor. The same technology offers a flat response from 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz, low cross-axis sensitivity, and low power - making it ideal for land-based seismic exploration across difficult terrain. In other applications, researchers get scientific-grade broadband performance with higher clip levels. All the while, the rugged structure, familiar form factor, and reliability of the optical seismometer make it easy to use and quickly take advantage of new, robust measurement capabilities.

Features and Benefits

    --  Low-Noise Measurement: Achieves below 5 ng/ SQRTHz from 1.0 Hz to 400
        Hz, surpassing that of MEMS and conventional geophones and well suited
        for passive seismic applications.
    --  High Clip Level: With a clip level of +1.5 g pk, dynamic range exceeds
        that of state-of-the-art analog-to-digital converters, enabling system
        integrators to make full use of the data.
    --  Omnidirectional: Silicon Audio's sensor is tilt insensitive and operates
        in any orientation, enabling rapid deployment without the hassle and
        additional operating expense of leveling.
    --  Low Frequency: The ability to capture low-frequency (sub 1 Hz) signals
        with high fidelity translates to an additional decade of low frequency
        data for deeper imaging.
    --  Form Factor: Small size, low power, and ultra portability make the
        sensor ideal for high-density array applications and field
        installations.
    --  Reliable Design: The optical seismometer is shock tested to 3000 g to
        withstand the rigors of seismic deployment, and is customizable to fit
        within existing acquisition systems.
    --  Flexible Configuration: Offered in single-axis or three-axis
        configurations, and a small, single-element diameter (1.25") positions
        it for applications such as borehole deployment.
Extensively Tested

Performance down to 0.1 Hz has been verified in tests performed at the Albuquerque Seismology Laboratory, part of the United States Geological Survey. The Silicon Audio optical seismometer has been used to record distant seismic events originating thousands of miles away, as well as the earth's natural background noise including the 5-second period microseism.

Upcoming Opportunity
Silicon Audio is now looking for companies that will use this low-noise optical seismometer technology to close the gap between exploring for oil and definitively finding it. For further information, read more at siaudio.com/solutions/seismic-solutions, visit booth #2188 at SEG 2014, or contact sales@siaudio.com.

About Silicon Audio

Based in Austin, TX, Silicon Audio is an emerging technology company focused on bringing innovations to market that provide customers and partners with new ways of solving old problems. The company leverages a strong engineering core to achieve substantial performance improvements in diverse applications and industries, and then works with development partners to commercialize those technologies. Silicon Audio's current product portfolio includes seismic sensors for oil and gas exploration and microphones for consumer communication and hearing device applications. The company is majority funded through commercial contracts and received early stage support via government-funded via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. For more information, visit siaudio.com.

Media Contact: Aaron De Lucia: aaron@trewmarketing.com
Customer Contact: Coe Schlicher: coe@siaudio.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bold-engineering-at-seg-2014-silicon-audios-new-low-noise-optical-seismometer-to-change-oil-exploration-980040783.html

SOURCE  Silicon Audio

Silicon Audio

Web Site: http://www.siaudio.com

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