VARIABLE COUPLER FIBEROPTIC SENSOR AND SENSING APPARATUS USING THE SENSOR

摘要

A variable coupler fiberoptic sensor (20) utilizes a coupler having a fused coupling region (32) that can be deflected to change the light distribution to a plurality of output fibers (36) without putting the coupling region under tension. A compact, rugged, and highly sensitive sensor design is achieved b y use of a coupler having a fused coupling region arranged substantially in a U- shape to allow the input fiberoptic leads (34) and output fiberoptic leads (36) to extend from the same side of the sensor structure.