FIBER-OPTIC TEMPERATURE SENSOR.

Abstract

A new optical sensor utilizing temperature variations of birefringence has been developed. This sensor is composed of a LiTaO//3 single crystal used as the sensing material, a rutile plate used as the polarizer, and an optical fiber used as the signal transmission line. The nonmetallic optical sensor components offer electrical noise immunity and high electric insulation. Because a light emitting diode is applied as the light source this sensor is highly stable and less expensive to manufacture. The sensor with a crystal thickness of 70 mu m has a sensitivity of 0. 1 degree C. Search for practical applications of this sensor in consumer and industrial equipment is now in progress.