OPTICALLY-POWERED SENSOR SYSTEMS PRINCIPALLY FOR DEPLOYMENT ON-BOARD AIRCRAFT

摘要

Described are optical sensing systems. The systems may perform reliably in explosive environments and provide eye protection should breakage of an optical fiber be detected. Sensors of the systems additionally may be self-managing, acquiring and transmitting sensed data as available electrical power permits.

主权项

1. An optical sensing system comprising:
a. a system controller; b. a first sensor; and c. at least one optical fiber; and in which (i) the system controller comprises (A) means for transmitting optical energy to the first sensor via the at least one optical fiber and (B) means for receiving optical data from the first sensor via the at least one optical fiber and (ii) the first sensor comprises (A) means for converting received optical energy to electrical energy and (B) means for transmitting optical data as available electrical energy permits.