Optical Fiber Refractometer.

Abstract

The index of refraction of a liquid is measured using an optical fiber refractometer having a light transmitting optical fiber by immersing a portion of the optical fiber in the liquid and launching light into one end of the optical fiber at a selected non-zero launch angle with respect to the fiber axis. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is detected at the other end of the optical fiber and a determination is made of the index of refraction of the liquid in accordance with the detected light and the selected non-zero launch angle. By varying the launching angles of the light the range of the refractometer is increased. The light transmitting optical fiber is provided with a region having at least one tapered portion for further increasing the range of the refractometer. The tapered portion of the optical fiber is disposed between a reflective end of the optical fiber and the light source for providing single-ended operation. Keywords: Patent applications. (rh)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 03, 1990
Accession Number
ADD014619

Entities

People

  • Howard Krumboltz
  • Lloyd C. Bobb

Organizations

  • United States Department of the Navy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Fibers
  • Launching
  • Light Sources
  • Optical Fibers
  • Patent Applications
  • Patents
  • Refraction
  • Refractive Index
  • Refractometers
  • Transmitting

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials