FIBER OPTIC TRANSDUCERS, FIBER OPTIC ACCELEROMETERS AND FIBER OPTIC SENSING SYSTEMS

摘要

A fiber optic transducer is provided. The fiber optic transducer includes a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The length of fiber spans the spring. The fiber optic transducer also includes a mass engaged with the moveable portion. In one disclosed aspect of the transducer, the mass envelopes the moveable portion.

主权项

1. An accelerometer comprising:
(a) a transducer including (1) a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, (2) a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, (3) a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and (4) a mass engaged with the moveable portion; (b) a length of fiber including a portion wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, the portion spanning the spring; (c) a reflector positioned along the length of fiber; (d) an optical source for transmitting an optical signal along the length of fiber to the reflector; (e) a fiber optic coupler for splitting the optical signal from the optical source into at least two separate optical signals, and for recombining the at least two separate optical signals into a combined optical signal; (f) an optical receiver for receiving the combined optical signal, wherein at least one of the reflector and the fiber optic coupler is housed within the mass.