Configurable Chiral Fiber Tip-Positioned Sensor

Abstract

The inventive configurable chiral fiber sensor with a tip-positioned sensing element, is readily configurable for use in a variety of applications (such as applications involving pressure, temperature, and even axial twist sensing), and is particularly suitable for applications requiring highly precise and accurate sensor readings within corresponding predefined limited sensing ranges. Advantageously, the inventive configurable chiral fiber sensor with a tip-positioned sensing element, is operable to utilize a wide variety of light sources, photodetectors, and related devices for sensor interrogation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A configurable optical chiral fiber sensor, comprising:
 at least one predefined compatible light source operable to generate a light signal having a predefined range of polarization characteristic parameters;   an optical fiber link of a predetermined length, having a first end connected to said at least one predefined compatible light source, and a second end;   an optical fiber sensing component, positioned at said second end of said optical fiber link, operable to permit said light signal to be received from said at least one light source, and to be circulated therethrough;   at least one transducer means, positioned proximal to said optical fiber sensing component, for causing, in response to at least one sensable event, at least one corresponding proportional distortion, in said predefined polarization characteristics of said circulating light signal, and within said predefined parameter range thereof; and   a sensor interrogation system, operable to detect said at least one proportional distortion to produce a corresponding at least one proportional sensor output.