Abstract:
A sweep sensor may include a signal source, a propagation medium, and a detector. By transmitting an interrogating signal from the signal source into the propagation medium, detectable disturbances along the medium can physically alter the characteristics of the medium, which may cause a measurable change in the backscattered signal at the detector. Based on the change, it may be possible to locate the geographic origins of the physical disturbances along the propagation medium, or to determine the nature of the disturbances, or both. For example, it is generally possible to estimate the approximate distance between the detector and the disturbance given the time required to obtain the backscattered signal and the velocity of the signal source in the propagation medium. Further, in some embodiments, it is possible to quantify the amount of disturbance.
Abstract:
A sensor for detecting material degradation may include an optical fiber and a housing through which the optical fiber extends. An end cap may be affixed to an end of the housing. Light provided through the optical fiber may be reflected off of the end cap back through the optical fiber. The end cap may be made of a material of interest, and may be situated in an environment wherein the material of interest is present. A light source may provide input light through the optical fiber. A portion of the input light may be reflected off of the end cap. A light receptor may receive the reflected light via the optical fiber. A processing unit may be adapted to compare a measured intensity of the reflected light to a threshold, and to initiate an alarm condition if the measured intensity is below the threshold.
Abstract:
Distributed fiber optic chemical and physical sensors provide a relatively highly uniform response over the length of the fiber by, for example, varying such properties as the core/cladding index of refraction ratio to compensate for the non-linearity in sensitivity due to the loss of higher order modes in multi-mode fibers. The variation of the ratio changes the absorption coefficient of the fiber and can be used to compensate for any non-linearity in response. Other techniques for compensation also are disclosed.
Abstract:
In harsh and hazardous environments, the presence of elevated levels of hydrogen gas is an indicator of chemical and/or radiological activity. The present hydrogen-sensing optical fiber provides rapid and reliable hydrogen detection and quantification, irrespective of temperature fluctuations. The hydrogen-sensing optical fiber does not exhibit significant irreversible hydrogen-induced attenuation losses after exposure to a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
Abstract:
A sweep sensor may include a signal source, a propagation medium, and a detector. By transmitting an interrogating signal from the signal source into the propagation medium, detectable disturbances along the medium can physically alter the characteristics of the medium, which may cause a measureable change in the backscattered signal at the detector. Based on the change, it may be possible to locate the geographic origins of the physical disturbances along the propagation medium, or to determine the nature of the disturbances, or both. For example, it is generally possible to estimate the approximate distance between the detector and the disturbance given the time required to obtain the backscattered signal and the velocity of the signal source in the propagation medium. Further, in some embodiments, it is possible to quantify the amount of disturbance.
Abstract:
In harsh and hazardous environments, the presence of elevated levels of hydrogen gas is an indicator of chemical and/or radiological activity. The present hydrogen-sensing optical fiber provides rapid and reliable hydrogen detection and quantification, irrespective of temperature fluctuations. The hydrogen-sensing optical fiber does not exhibit significant irreversible hydrogen-induced attenuation losses after exposure to a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
Abstract:
Distributed fiber optic chemical and physical sensors provide a relatively highly uniform response over the length of the fiber by, for example, varying such properties as the core/cladding index of refraction ratio to compensate for the non-linearity in sensitivity due to the loss of higher order modes in multi-mode fibers. The variation of the ratio changes the absorption coefficient of the fiber and can be used to compensate for any non-linearity in response. Other techniques for compensation also are disclosed.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present disclosure describe improved distributed acoustic sensing using dynamic range suppression of optical time domain reflectometry either by using a feedback loop comprising optical and electrical elements or using a nonlinear element in the electrical domain after coherent detection. When using a feedback loop, the amplitude of the periodic waveform of coherent OTDR can be inverted. This allows optical pre-compensation of the received optical signal before coherent detection with the goal of minimizing amplitude dynamic range. Alternatively, a nonlinear element in the electrical domain can reduce amplitude dynamic range before sampling by analog-to-digital converters (ADC).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device (10) comprising a support (14) having a wave guide (42) allowing the propagation of light of at least one wavelength, generating evanescent waves outwards. According to the invention, the device comprises means for receiving a liquid sample, designed to receive the liquid sample upon contact of the wave guide (42) in such a way as to impregnate the wave guide with a portion of the liquid sample, and actuatable means for breaking the contact between the liquid sample and the wave guide (42).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device (10) comprising a support (14) having a wave guide (42) allowing the propagation of light of at least one wavelength, generating evanescent waves outwards. According to the invention, the device comprises means for receiving a liquid sample, designed to receive the liquid sample upon contact of the wave guide (42) in such a way as to impregnate the wave guide with a portion of the liquid sample, and actuatable means for breaking the contact between the liquid sample and the wave guide (42).