HOUSTON and FARNBOROUGH, England, June 10 -- Input/Output Inc. (I/O) and QinetiQ said they are allying to develop fiber optic-based systems and sensors for seismic data acquisition systems for marine, in-well and ocean-bottom environments. The alliance will combine I/O's experience in developing seismic acquisition systems with QinetiQ's expertise in developing fiber optic-based acoustic sensor technology as the UK's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. "The commercialization of technologies into the oil and gas market from QinetiQ's research and development program is a key element of our market strategy," said Michael Gill, QinetiQ Fibre Optic Group manager. "Fiber optic-based sensors represent the next generation of sensing technology in this field, and working with I/O on the development of seismic data-acquisition systems based on our fiber optic sensor technology will help us make a significant step forward. Our joint objective is to bring distinct benefits in terms of cost and reliability, particularly in the harshest deep-water and deep-well environments." I/O develops seismic acquisition imaging technology for land, marine, transition zone and in-well exploration, production and reservoir monitoring. The company specializes in technology for the energy industry involving 2-D, 3-D, 4-D and multicomponent seismic data.