Optical waveguide vibration sensor and method
US5497233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/35329
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical sensor that is particularly useful for measuring ground borne vibrations employs a planar optical waveguide structure to form a sensor for detecting ground born velocities and accelerations. An optical interferometer is used to detect phase shifts in optical signals guided by the waveguide caused by external vibrations. A pair of phase modulator electrodes is placed adjacent one of the legs of the interferometer and a coil of wire is connected between the pair of electrodes. A sensing element that produces a voltage in response to vibrations is connected across the electrodes. The voltage produced by the sensing element is applied to the pair of electrodes to cause phase modulation of optical signals guided by the leg of the interferometer adjacent the electrodes. The optical signals output from the interferometer are then processed to determine the velocity and acceleration associated with the vibration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.