Fiber optic pressure sensor based on vibrating-quartz-crystal technology

Kenneth A. Wickersheim; Mei H. Sun

doi:10.1117/12.20317

1 August 1990 Fiber optic pressure sensor based on vibrating-quartz-crystal technology

Kenneth A. Wickersheim, Mei H. Sun

Proceedings Volume 1267, Fiber Optic Sensors IV; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.20317
Event: The International Congress on Optical Science and Engineering, 1990, The Hague, Netherlands

Abstract

The pressure sensor described in this paper is an optical adaptation of a high performance commercial pressure sensor that measures the resonant frequency of a double-ended quartz tuning fork as modified by the force applied. The shift in resonant frequency is used to determine the pressure. In this device the tines of the crystal are forced into transverse oscillation by an electrical microcircuit powered by a photodiode array illuminated by an LED via an optical fiber. The crystal oscillation frequency is determined using a second light beam from a separate LED also transmitted by a fiber. (The light beam is interrupted by the two oscillating tines, generating an AC signal at the crystal oscillation frequency.) Since the measured frequency is independent of intensity variations, the sensor is unaffected by light source degradation or by fiber bending. In a recently-developed prototype device, force is applied to the crystal via a balanced Bourdon tube assembly. Increasing the pressure inside the tubes increases the force exerted on the crystal. The prototype exhibits an accuracy, linearity, and stability of better than 0.1 psi over a 100 psi range when operated in air and without any temperature compensation. The sensor also shows good immunity to shock and vibration.

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth A. Wickersheim and Mei H. Sun "Fiber optic pressure sensor based on vibrating-quartz-crystal technology", Proc. SPIE 1267, Fiber Optic Sensors IV, (1 August 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.20317

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available