Abstract: A method of determining induced change of polarization state of light in a polarization element comprising transmitting unpolarized light from a light source at the one end of an optical transmitter waveguide means (21) to polarizer means (31) at the other end; polarizing the unpolarized light by the polarizer means (31); transmitting the polarized light through the polarization element (41, 41A, 41B) using at least one reflective optical element; analyzing the transmitted polarized light from the polarization element by an analyzer means (32); and transmitting the analyzed polarized light from the one end of optical receiver waveguide means (22) to a light detector at the other end; wherein the unpolarized light polarized by the polarizer means (31), the polarized light analyzed by the analyzer means (32), or both, are non-collimated; and the polarized light in the light path between the polarizer means (31) and the analyzer means (32) is collected and reflected by at least one reflective imaging optical ele

Abstract: An optical voltage sensor utilizing an electrooptic polymer is disclosed for application to electric power distribution systems. The sensor, which can be manufactured at low cost in accordance with a disclosed method, measures voltages across a greater range than prior art sensors. The electrooptic polymer, which replaces the optical crystal used in prior art sensors, is sandwiched directly between two high voltage electrodes. Voltage is measured by fiber optical means, and no voltage division is required. The sample of electrooptic polymer is fabricated in a special mold and later mounted in a sensor housing. Alternatively, mold and sensor housing may be identical. The sensor housing is made out of a machinable polymeric material and is equipped with two opposing optical windows. The optical windows are mounted in the bottom of machined holes in the wall of the mold. These holes provide for mounting of the polarizing optical components and for mounting of the fiber optic connectors.