Fiber optic fluid detector

Patent · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:866979

Angel, S Michael ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA

Particular gases or liquids are detected with a fiber optic element (11, 11a to 11j) having a cladding or coating of a material (23, 23a to 23j) which absorbs the fluid or fluids and which exhibits a change of an optical property, such as index of refraction, light transmissiveness or fluoresence 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 (24, 24a to 24j) 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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of American as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4834497
• OSTI ID: 866979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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11
11a
11j
23
23a
23j
24
24a
24j
absorbs
absorption
angle
atmosphere
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cladding
coating
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gases
ground
ground water
index
industrial
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light
light transmissive
liquids
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optic
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water
water contamination