Fiber-optic voltage sensor with cladded fiber and evanescent wave variation detection

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868595

Wood, Charles B ^[1]

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1. Lakewood, CO

A fiber optic voltage sensor is described which includes a source of light, a reference fiber for receiving a known percentage of the light and an electrostrictive element having terminals across which is applied, a voltage to be measured. The electrostrictive element is responsive to the applied voltage to assume an altered physical state. A measuring fiber also receives a known percentage of light from the light source and is secured about the electrostrictive element. The measuring fiber is provided with a cladding and exhibits an evanescent wave in the cladding. The measuring fiber has a known length which is altered when the electrostrictive element assumes its altered physical state. A differential sensor is provided which senses the intensity of light in both the reference fiber and the measuring fiber and provides an output indicative of the difference between the intensities.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Department (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5171981
• OSTI ID: 868595
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

fiber-optic
voltage
sensor
cladded
fiber
evanescent
wave
variation
detection
optic
described
source
light
reference
receiving
percentage
electrostrictive
element
terminals
applied
measured
responsive
assume
altered
physical
measuring
receives
secured
provided
cladding
exhibits
length
assumes
differential
senses
intensity
provides
output
indicative
difference
intensities
voltage sensor
light source
fiber optic
applied voltage
output indicative
altered physical
evanescent wave
optic voltage
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