Abstract: A current sensing system for estimating current in substantially parallel planar conductors. The system includes a magnetostrictive optical sensor including an optical sensing element coupled to a magnetostrictive element and disposed between substantially parallel planar conductors, wherein the magnetostrictive element is configured to cause a strain in the optical sensing element in the presence of a magnetic field between the substantially parallel planar conductors, and wherein the optical sensing element is configured to receive an optical interrogation signal and provide a wavelength modulated data signal indicative of magnitude of the current flowing through the conductors.