Fiber optic moisture sensor
Abstract
A method and apparatus for sensing moisture changes by utilizing optical fiber technology is presented. One embodiment uses a reflective target at the end of an optical fiber. The reflectance of the target varies with its moisture content and can be detected by a remote unit at the opposite end of the fiber. A second embodiment utilizes changes in light loss along the fiber length. This is attributed to changes in reflectance of cladding material as a function of its moisture content. It can also be affected by holes or inserts interposed in the cladding material and/or fiber. Changing light levels can also be coupled from one fiber to another in an assembly of fibers as a function of varying moisture content in their overlapping lengths of cladding material.
- Publication:
-
Patent Application Department of Energy
- Pub Date:
- August 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984doe..reptS....K
- Keywords:
-
- Cladding;
- Detection;
- Fiber Optics;
- Moisture Content;
- Moisture Meters;
- Reflectance;
- Composite Materials;
- Measuring Instruments;
- Patent Applications;
- Instrumentation and Photography