Fiber optic strain sensor and read-out system
US5477323A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/266
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical sensor is described comprising a first optical fiber and a first reflective member. The first optical fiber has a first predetermined length of graded-index multimode optical fiber attached to its end. The first reflective member and the first optical fiber are arranged such that a gap is formed between the unattached end of the graded-index multimode optical fiber and the first reflective member. Also described is a rugged sensor design incorporating the first optical fiber and first reflective sensor as well as a method for providing the predetermined length of graded-index multimode fiber at the end of the first optical fiber. Finally, a readout system for an optical sensor is also described which comprises two optical paths differing in length by an amount equal to an optical path distance in the optical sensor. The readout system also comprises an optical source having a wavelength differing from that of the optical sensor, a modulator and a controller. The readout system provides a linear output signal that is independent of temperature and vibration effects associated with the read-out system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.