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Computer-controlled optical fiber sensor system for the characterization of ultrasound

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

Abstract

A computer-controlled optical fiber sensor system has been developed for the characterization of ultrasonic transducers in the megahertz range. The sensing element used is a short length of highly birefringent optical fiber. When an ultrasonic wave is incident normally upon the fiber, the birefringence, or the phase difference between the two polarized light waves in the fiber, is modulated. The phase modulation is converted into an intensity-modulated signal by means of polarimetry. To optimize and stabilize the signal against environmental effects such as temperature variations, a liquid-crystal phase retarder, controlled by feedback electronics, is placed in the optical path. Intensity noises arising from the laser source and the fiber leads are also eliminated by using signal processing techniques. The spatial intensity profile of an ultrasonic beam can be determined by scanning the sensing fiber across the ultrasonic beam. Fiber scanning and data acquisition are controlled by a personal computer. In this paper, the principle and the implementation of the sensor system are described. Experimental results obtained from characterizing commercial ultrasonic transducers are presented.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Pages576-580
Volume2895
Publication statusPublished - 1996
EventFiber Optic Sensors V - Beijing, China
Duration: 6 Nov 19967 Nov 1996

Publication series

Name
Volume2895
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceFiber Optic Sensors V
CityBeijing, China
Period6/11/967/11/96

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