Fiber optic hydrophone
A miniature fiber optic hydrophone based on the principles of a Fabry-Perot interferometer is disclosed. The hydrophone, in one embodiment, includes a body having a shaped flexible bladder at one end which defines a volume containing air or suitable gas, and including a membrane disposed adjacent a vent. An optical fiber extends into the body with one end terminating in spaced relation to the membrane. Acoustic waves in the water that impinge on the bladder cause the pressure of the volume therein to vary causing the membrane to deflect and modulate the reflectivity of the Fabry-Perot cavity formed by the membrane surface and the cleaved end of the optical fiber disposed adjacent to the membrane. When the light is transmitted down the optical fiber, the reflected signal is amplitude modulated by the incident acoustic wave. Another embodiment utilizes a fluid filled volume within which the fiber optic extends. 2 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5311485; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-968950
- OSTI ID:
- 7035551
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 30 Oct 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
SONIC PROBES
DESIGN
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
MODULATION
OPTICAL FIBERS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SOUND WAVES
EQUIPMENT
FIBERS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
PROBES
SURVEYS
440700* - Geophysical & Meteorological Instrumentation- (1990-)
450000 - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense