Temperature detection using the refractive indices of light guides

摘要

A temperature detection apparatus is provided which comprises at least one light source, light guide and light detector. The light guide is placed in thermal communication with target areas whose temperatures are of interest, particularly for application in electromechanical apparatus where the target area whose temperature is of interest is relatively inaccessible and/or an electrical temperature probe would encounter interference. The light guide itself indicates temperature changes since it only transmits light when the temperature-dependent refractive index of its core exceeds that of its cladding.