Fiber optic moisture sensor
A method and apparatus for sensing moisture changes by utilizing optical fiber technology. One embodiment uses a reflective target at the end of an optical fiber. The reflectance of the target varies with its moisture content and can be detected by a remote unit at the opposite end of the fiber. A second embodiment utilizes changes in light loss along the fiber length. This can be attributed to changes in reflectance of cladding material as a function of its moisture content. It can also be affected by holes or inserts interposed in the cladding material and/or fiber. Changing light levels can also be coupled from one fiber to another in an assembly of fibers as a function of varying moisture content in their overlapping lengths of cladding material.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Application Number:
- ON: DE85011651
- OSTI ID:
- 5832618
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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