Theoretical and experimental study of fiber-optic lever sensors

Abstract

Reports on the design, performance study and theoretical analysis of a fiber-optic lever sensor capable or operating at temperatures up to 1000 F. Such a device is important for detection and measurements of acoustic pressure fluctuations in hypersonic flow fields under hostile environments. The fiber optic lever sensor exhibited a good stable linear response, when subjected to sound pressure levels in the range of 130-160 dB at temperatures from ambient to 1000 F. The frequency response is in excess of 100 kHz and unaffected by temperature cycling. Calculations of the optical transfer function were also performed and found to be in good agreement with the experimental values.