Fiber optic sensor system and method for measuring the pressure of media
US6838660B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L9/0077
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a fiber optic pressure sensor apparatus which includes a light source, a reflective sensor diaphragm movable in accordance with pressure in a medium and an optical fiber coupled to the light source for delivering a first wavefront of light to the reflective sensor diaphragm. The optical fiber has an endface which is separated from the reflective sensor diaphragm by a gap, the endface receiving a second wavefront of light reflected from the reflective sensor diaphragm. The first and second wavefronts constructively and destructively interfere to create a modulated optical signal. A spectrometer is coupled to the optical fiber for converting the optical signal into a series of digital values, and means for analyzing the digital values is provided for obtaining a measurement of the pressure in the medium. An optical coupler is preferably provided for coupling the light source, the optical fiber, and the spectrometer. A power monitoring optical detector means may be coupled to the light source by the optical coupler. A graded-index lens may be coupled to the endface of the optical fiber. The angle between the endface and a longitudinal …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.