Accession Number:

ADD014841

Title:

Optical Fiber Refractometer Launching Light at a Non-Zero Launch Angle.

Descriptive Note:

Patent, Filed 3 Jan 90, patented 29 Jan 91,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Bobb, Lloyd C.
• Krumboltz, Howard D.

Report Date:

1991-01-29

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

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 refractive end of the optical fiber and the light source for providing single-ended operation.

Descriptors:

• ANGLES
• FIBER OPTICS
• FIBERS
• LAUNCHING
• LIGHT
• LIGHT SOURCES
• LIGHT TRANSMISSION
• REFRACTION
• REFRACTIVE INDEX
• REFRACTOMETERS

Subject Categories:

• Optical Detection and Detectors
• Fiber Optics and Integrated Optics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE