Overview
| Lead Time | 12-16 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 0 to 50ºC |
| Full System Consists of: | Sensor, Control Unit, 7-Pin LEMO Cable |
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DirectShear-Optical Control Unit
$8,799 -

DirectShear-Optical Sensor
$8,249 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
DirectShear-Optical System
High-bandwidth shear stress sensors designed from the ground up for harsh environments, including high-temperature applications.
The sensors employ purely optical transduction, a silicon/Pyrex micromachined floating element, and a remote optical fiber readout to enable time-resolved one-dimensional, direct shear stress measurements at high temperatures.
DirectShear®-Optical sensors are capable of both mean and dynamic measurements of wall shear stress over a wide dynamic range and are offered in a range of sensor models to suit different applications.
The optical sensors are ideal for precision skin friction measurements in high-speed, high-temperature (0-400°C) test facilities. Click here to see how NASA is utilizing these sensors.
A complete DirectShear system includes sensor, cable, and control unit and operates as a paired set tuned together during the calibration process. Components can be ordered individually – however, each sensor requires a dedicated control unit.
Our team is here to assist with any questions – please reach out at sales@thinkic2.com, call us at 352-283-8110, or click here to schedule a Teams meeting.
From: $8,249
Designed from the ground up for harsh environments, including high-temperature applications.
DirectShear‑Optical sensors are compact, non‑intrusive MEMS wall shear stress sensors designed for direct, real‑time measurement in harsh and high‑temperature environments. Using differential optical transduction of a floating‑element structure, the sensor provides high sensitivity while rejecting pressure and electromagnetic interference. A folded‑tether suspension improves linearity and thermal robustness, enabling continuous operation up to 400 °C. The sensor delivers accurate measurement of both mean and fluctuating wall shear stress with high stability and a wide dynamic range, making it well suited for demanding aerodynamic and fluid‑mechanics research applications.
- Direct measurement of shear stress
- Harsh environment capable
- Non-intrusive – minimal flow disturbance
- High resolution, dynamic range and bandwidth
- Immune to EMI
For typical applications, please see our DirectShear product line.
For vector measurements, please see our DirectShear-2D product line.
Click here to learn more about the Complete Shear Stress Measurement System that leverages additional PXI hardware to create a full measurement solution.
Datasheet
- DirectShear-Optical Sensor, 0022-A-01, Datasheet • Aug 2020
- DirectShear-Optical Sensor, 0022-B-01, Datasheet • Aug 2020
- DirectShear-Optical Sensor, 0022-C-01, Datasheet • Aug 2020
- DirectShear-Optical Sensor, 0022-D-01, Datasheet • Aug 2020
- DirectShear-Optical Sensor, 0022-F-01, Datasheet • Aug 2020
Product Flyer
User Manual
- Optical micromachined floating element sensor for time-resolved, one-dimensional, direct shear stress measurements in harsh environments
- Optical gratings for direct transduction of shear stress with remote optical fiber readout
- Silicon/Pyrex sensor structure for high-temperature environments (up to 400°C continuous)
- Optimized Control Unit for high dynamic range and bandwidth
- Suite of sensor models for different applications
- Mean and fluctuating optical wall shear stress measurements
- Selectable low-noise AC or rechargeable Li-ion battery power source
- High dynamic range and bandwidth
- System status and battery voltage LED indicators
- Rugged, industrial LC Duplex fiber connection
- Removable shielded sensor cable
- Time-resolved, direct mean and fluctuating wall shear stress measurements
- Differential optical shear stress sensors for subsonic and transonic applications
- Instrumentation-grade skin friction sensing in high temperatures and harsh environments
- Aerodynamic drag research
- Detection of flow separation
- High-speed wind tunnel testing
Learn More About Related Applications ↓
A Control Unit is required for each sensor and provides a modulation signal to the sensor and outputs analog voltage over BNC. This modulation signal enables the simultaneous measurement of both the mean and fluctuating wall shear stress. Each sensor is specifically paired and tuned to its control unit. These pairings are documented in the calibration sheet provided with each sensor.
The following additional components and specifications are recommended for AC and DC testing/calibration with the optical sensor control unit:
- RG58 coaxial cable with BNC connectors
- Data acquisition system (DAQ) – AC/DC measurement
- Sensing Range: ±1, ±5, ±10V – sensor dependent (see datasheet)
- Resolution: 18+ bits
- Sampling frequency: sensor dependent – adequate sample rate and anti-alias filter to support sensor bandwidth
- Digital multimeter – DC measurement only
- 6.5 digits with power line cycle (PLC) integration
- DAQ or PC connection (e.g., GPIB)
Click here to learn more about the Complete Shear Stress Measurement System that leverages additional PXI hardware to create a full measurement solution.
| Model | Shear Stress (Pa) | Bandwidth (kHz) | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) | Resolution (mPa) | Element Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0022-A-01 | 50 | 1.8 | 40 | 0.5 | 1mm x 0.7mm |
| 0022-F-01 | 100 | 2.5 | 20 | 1 | 1mm x 1mm |
| 0022-B-01 | 300 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0.4mm x 0.4mm |
| 0022-C-01 | 1000 | 10 | 1.3 | 50 | 0.3mm x 0.3mm |
| 0022-D-01 | 5000 | 20 | 0.3 | 50 | 0.3mm x 0.3mm |
- Length – 40 mm (1.57″)
- Diameter – 6.30 mm (0.25″)
- Sensor Flushness – <25 um (<0.001″)
- Operating Temperature Range – 0°C – 400°C
- Non-intrusive — backside contacts for minimal flow disturbance
- Multiple sensor head form factors, materials and finishes available to meet installation requirements.
- Custom housings/materials available
- Suite of 5 sensor models available for different applications (see Specifications table)

Does each sensor need its own control unit? What is the difference between the Standalone and PXI control units?
Each sensor operates with a dedicated control unit. Standalone Control Unit: Standalone, battery-powered, portable; larger footprint and higher cost. PXI Control Unit: Compact, modular, designed for integration with PXI chassis and data acquisition systems; ideal for multi-sensor setups and minimized installation space.
Do DirectShear sensors work in liquids?
DirectShear sensors were developed and validated primarily for gaseous flow environments (e.g., air and wind tunnel testing). They are not currently rated or validated for continuous operation in liquids, including water. Use in liquid or multiphase flows is application‑dependent and must be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. The DirectShear‑Optical sensor may offer some advantages because there are no electronics in the sensing head, which can reduce certain failure modes. However: the optical sensor is also unvalidated in liquids, small gaps and cavities still exist where fluids may enter, and performance, long‑term stability, and biofouling behavior in liquids remain uncertain.
How cautious should I be when handling the sensor?
The sensing element (the front face) is fragile and any physical contact with the exposed sensing element can cause damage to the sensor. A protective cap is provided for handling purposes and should be used to keep the sensor face covered at all times when not in use. Proper sensor cleaning procedures are outlined in the provided User Manual.
How is the sensor typically mounted to the wall of a test section?
The sensor head may be placed in any known angular orientation with respect to the sensing axes. Angular misalignment during installation can result in increased uncertainty due to cross-axis sensitivity. Installation of the sensor head with the alignment key on the upstream side ensures alignment with the critical sensing axis. The sensor head should be inserted until the surface of the sensor head is flush with the facility wall. Proper design of the sensor installation port will provide repeatable installation depths and alignment via use of the shoulder and alignment key on the sensor head. Please contact IC2 for support with sensor installation.
How do acceleration forces affect the sensor?
DirectShear sensors withstand accelerations over 200g. However, acceleration can influence sensor output. For best results, use an accelerometer near the sensor and subtract coherent power during data analysis. Acceleration sensitivity data is included in the calibration packet.






