Interferometric Fiber Optic Doppler Velocimeter with High Dynamic Range
Abstract
A fiber optic velocity sensor system for measuring the Doppler shift in the optical frequency of light reflected from a moving surface is disclosed. The velocity sensor system comprises: a source of coherent light; a sensor for directing the coherent light to a moving surface and collecting a Doppler-shifted return signal from the moving surface; an unbalanced optical interferometer for changing the Doppler-shifted return light into an optical phase shift; and a processor for converting the optical phase shift from the interferometer into a voltage signal proportional to the velocity of the moving surface. Other embodiments of the fiber optic Doppler velocity sensor system of the invention include an embodiment with enhanced dynamic range, an embodiment with selectable responsivity, and an embodiment with multiple optical pickup heads.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADD018598
Entities
People
- Alan D. Kersey
- Larry Fabiny
- William D. Gottwald
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy