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Title: Fiber optic fluid detector

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5650178

Particular gases or liquids are detected with a fiber optic element having a cladding or coating of a material which absorbs the fluid or fluids and which exhibits a change of an optical property, such as index of refraction, light transmissiveness or fluorescence emission, for example, in response to absorption of the fluid. The fluid is sensed by directing light into the fiber optic element and detecting changes in the light, such as exit angle changes for example, that result from the changed optical property of the coating material. The fluid detector may be used for such purposes as sensing toxic or explosive gases in the atmosphere, measuring ground water contamination or monitoring fluid flows in industrial processes, among other uses.

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
Patent Number(s):
US 4834497
OSTI ID:
5650178
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 27 Feb 1987
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English