Sensor arrays having light-powered transducers

摘要

A sensor array includes a plurality of sensor locations at which sensed signals are produced. A tension element holds locations at a given maximum spacing. The tension element includes an optical fiber. Light propagating on the optical fiber is applied to converters at each location for generating electrical power for the electrically powered portions of the array. The electrically powered portions may be a part of the sensor suite at each location, telemetry equipment, or both.