Variable coupler fiberoptic sensor and sensing apparatus using the sensor

• US 20030016898A1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Empirical Technologies Corporation
• Original Assignee: Charles Adkins, David Gerdt, Martin C. Baruch
• Inventors: Gerdt, David, Adkins, Charles, Baruch, Martin C.
• Granted Patent: US 6,836,577 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence

Abstract

A variable coupler fiberoptic sensor utilizes a coupler having a fused coupling region that can be deflected to change the light distribution to a plurality of output fibers without putting the coupling region under tension. A compact, rugged, and highly sensitive sensor design is achieved by use of a coupler having a fused coupling region arranged substantially in a U-shape to allow the input and output fiberoptic leads to extend from the same side of the sensor structure.

Claims

1. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus, comprising:

a fiberoptic coupler in which a plurality of optical fibers are joined through a fused coupling region, said optical fibers including at least one input optical fiber and a plurality of output optical fibers, said fiberoptic coupler distributing light incident to said input optical fiber among said plurality of output optical fibers;

said coupler being supported in a configuration such that at least a portion of said coupling region is curved and can be deflected to change the light distribution among said output fibers with said coupling region being under substantially no tension.

2. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a device optically coupled to said plurality of output fibers to detect the change of light distribution.

3. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display connected to an output of said device.

4. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input and output optical fibers are single mode optical fibers.

5. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus, comprising:

a fiberoptic coupler in which a plurality of optical fibers are joined through a fused coupling region, said optical fibers including at least one input optical fiber and a plurality of output optical fibers, said fiberoptic coupler distributing light incident to said input optical fiber among said plurality of output optical fibers;

said coupler being supported in a configuration such that said fused coupling region has substantially a U-shape of which at least a portion can be deflected to change the light distribution among said output optical fibers.

6. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a device optically coupled to said plurality of output fibers to detect the change of light distribution.

7. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a display connected to an output of said device.

8. Fiberoptic sensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said input and output optical fibers are single mode optical fibers.