High sensitivity fiber optic based detection

A detection system for measuring the presence of one or more conditions in a predetermined area, comprising:

• a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions, wherein the node is arranged such that light scattered by an atmosphere adjacent the node is received by at least one core of the fiber optic cable
• a device configured to split the scattered light from the node into a plurality of wavelengths;
• a control system operably connected to the fiber harness, the control system including:
• at least one light source for transmitting light to the node;
• and
• a plurality of light sensitive devices configured to receive the scattered light associated with the node split into a plurality of wavelengths, wherein the control system is configured to analyze a plurality of signals corresponding to the plurality of wavelengths of the scattered light associated with the node to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.