Method and apparatus for optical temperature measurement

Patent · Tue Sep 20 04:00:00 EDT 1994

OSTI ID:7146993

O'Rourke, P E; Livingston, R R; Prather, W S

A temperature probe and a method for using said probe for temperature measurements based on changes in light absorption by the probe are disclosed. The probe comprises a first and a second optical fiber that carry light to and from the probe, and a temperature sensor material, the absorbance of which changes with temperature, through which the light is directed. Light is directed through the first optical fiber, passes through the temperature sensor material, and is transmitted by a second optical fiber from the material to a detector. Temperature-dependent and temperature-independent factors are derived from measurements of the transmitted light intensity. For each sensor material, the temperature T is a function of the ratio, R, of these factors. The temperature function f(R) is found by applying standard data analysis techniques to plots of T versus R at a series of known temperatures. For a sensor having a known temperature function f(R) and known characteristic and temperature-dependent factors, the temperature can be computed from a measurement of R. Suitable sensor materials include neodymium-doped borosilicate glass, accurate to [+-]0.5 C over an operating temperature range of about [minus]196 C to 400 C; and a mixture of D[sub 2]O and H[sub 2]O, accurate to [+-]0.1 C over an operating range of about 5 C to 90 C. 13 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 5348396
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-979672
• OSTI ID: 7146993
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440500* -- Thermal Instrumentation-- (1990-)
440600 -- Optical Instrumentation-- (1990-)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
DESIGN
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HEAVY WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEASURING METHODS
OPTICAL PYROMETERS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PYROMETERS
RADIATIONS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
VISIBLE RADIATION
WATER