Since 1995, when Schlumberger began using fiber optics for distributed temperature sensing (DTS) in wells, R&D has been focused on enhancing fiber reliability. Optical fiber tends to degrade when exposed to high levels of hydrogen or high temperatures. The fiber begins to darken, causing incorrect temperature readings.

Schlumberger then pioneered accelerated aging tests for optical fibers at high temperatures. WellWatcher BriteBlue HT* high-temperature multimode DTS fiber, which resulted from this research, increased light transmission by almost 50-fold. The results were exceptional resistance to hydrogen, longer life, faster response time, and better spatial resolution.