Fiber optic moisture sensor
Abstract
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.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 5832618
- Application Number:
- ON: DE85011651
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; MOISTURE GAGES; FIBER OPTICS; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; 440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)
Citation Formats
Kirkham, R R. Fiber optic moisture sensor. United States: N. p., 1984.
Web.
Kirkham, R R. Fiber optic moisture sensor. United States.
Kirkham, R R. Fri .
"Fiber optic moisture sensor". United States.
@article{osti_5832618,
title = {Fiber optic moisture sensor},
author = {Kirkham, R R},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1984},
month = {8}
}