Measurement and characterization of physical conditions in the downhole oil production environment will not only enable adoption of completion strategies based on expanded data from recovery processes, but also provide enhanced characterization of existing reserves. To this end, the objective of this research program is to develop and evaluate sensors for downhole measurement of pressure, temperature, volumetric flow, and acoustic waves (for seismic applications), and to develop technology to enable survival of the sensors over extended periods of time. This paper describes preliminary research in the development of a miniaturized fiber optic pressure sensor for downhole use.