Microshell-tipped optical fibers as sensors of high-pressure pulses in adverse environments
An optical-fiber sensor for detecting the arrival of strong pressure pulses was developed. The sensor consists of an optical fiber, tipped with a gas-filled microballoon. They have been used successfully in adverse environments including explosives, ballistics and electromagnetic pulses (EMP). The sensor produces a bright optical pulse caused by the rapid shock-heating of a gas, typically argon or xenon, which is confined in the spherical glass or plastic microballoon. The light pulse is transmitted via the optical fiber to a photo detector, usually a streak camera or photomultiplier tube. The microballoon optical sensor (called an optical pin by analogy to standard electrical pins), was originally developed for diagnosing an explosive, pulsed-power generator. Optical pins are required due to the EMP. The optical pins are economical arrival-time indicators because many channels can be recorded by one streak camera. The generator tests and related experiments, involving projectile velocities and detonation velocities of several kilometers per sec have demonstrated the usefulness of the sensors in explosives and ballistics applications. The technical and cost advantages of this optical pin make it potentially useful for many electromagnetic, explosive, and ballistics applications.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM
- OSTI ID:
- 5204703
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8408170-; TRN: 85-022354
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instrum. Eng.; (United States), Vol. 506; Conference: Fiber optics in adverse environments II, San Diego, CA, USA, 22 Aug 1984
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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