Wavelength dependent optical force sensing

摘要

Sensors operate by resolving changes in orientation of a wavelength dependent structure with respect to a reference direction determined by an incident light beam, resulting in very high sensitivity and dynamic range. Said sensors are wavelength encoded, can be multiplexed in a single light path such as an optical fiber, yet are decoupled mechanically from the fiber, resulting in high stability.

主权项

1. An optical sensor, comprising:
at least one optical illumination path structured to transmit an interrogating signal light beam in a direction, at least one wavelength dependent structure comprising at least one wavelength sensitive element receiving the interrogating signal light beam and changing the spectral content of the light received from said interrogating signal light beam by changing the orientation of said wavelength dependent structure relative to the direction of said interrogating signal light beam, at least one return optical path capable of transmitting changes in said spectral content, and a supportive member coupled to the wavelength dependent structure that rotates said wavelength dependent structure along its entire length relative to the directions of both said optical illumination path and said return optical path, whereby a force acting upon said wavelength-dependent structure changes the spectral content of light transmitting through said optical return path.