Measurement of megampere currents with optical fibers
Fiber optic sensors have been used routinely to measure multi-megampere currents. The sensors are low noise, absolutely calibrated, and electrically decoupled from the pulsed power source. Polarized light from a HeNe laser is guided past the current carrier by a single-mode, low-birefringence fiber. The magnetic field from the current causes a Faraday rotation of the light polarization which is detected by a polarization analyzer and photodiode at the end of the fiber. A rotation of about 250/sup 0//MA +/- 5% was observed, slightly less than the Verdet constant for non-birefringent silica glass. It was found that highly birefringent (polarization preserving) optical fibers do not work in this application. Current work is to ruggedize the sensor for field use with high-explosive-driven current sources by using a diode laser and single mode fiber couplers to replace the laboratory system of lenses and spatial filters.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM
- OSTI ID:
- 6804632
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830425-
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instrum. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instrum. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 380; ISSN SPIEC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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