Fiber Optic Displacement Sensor with New Reflectivity Compensation Method

Abstract

In this paper, a fiber optic displacement sensor with a new reflectivity compensation method is presented. The proposed compensation method is based on two light receiving channels with characteristic displacement sensitivities. The sensitivity characteristic for each channel is achieved by using fibers with different numerical apertures. The ratio of the intensity values of the two receiving channels is a function of the object displacement and fairly independent from the reflectivity of the measured object. The sensor is characterized by a well-defined measurement spot. By use of a focus lens mounted onto the fiber optics probe head, the object displacement range can be extended. The sensor is suitable for measurements with changing object reflectivity and demanding distance ranges.