Fiber-optic sensor family for the measurement of temperature, vibration, and pressure

A family of fiberoptic sensors for measuring temperature, vibration and pressure is described with respect to measurement principle, sensor design and optical construction. Non-coherent optical luminescence phenomena are used as information carriers for the measuring parameters. The sensors contain luminescent materials (gallium arsenide or neodymium-doped glass) and have a mechanical design that is determined by the specific application. The optical design of the system is based on beam splitters with interference filters and other micro-components. Experimental results of present designs are described and the development potential of the sensors is discussed. Finally, an overview of present application areas is given together with results from recent field experiments and reference installations in progress at present. (orig.)