Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a system of both atmospheric and underwater sensors for measuring pressure waves from a noise source. A system of pressure sensors can be formed to determine the location of an external noise source, whether in air or underwater. The system includes at least two arrays consisting of pressure sensors, including at least one atmospheric pressure sensor and at least one underwater pressure sensor, such as a hydrophone. Each sensor may be a seven-fiber intensity modulated fiber optic pressure sensor. The system includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing the pressure data received from each sensor and a processor which processes the received signals to calculate an approximate location of the noise source based upon the pressure signals received by the sensors at different times of arrival. The system can provide this capability in remote applications due to its low power requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a system of both atmospheric and underwater sensors for measuring pressure waves from a noise source. A system of pressure sensors can be formed to determine the location of an external noise source, whether in air or underwater. The system includes at least two arrays consisting of pressure sensors, including at least one atmospheric pressure sensor and at least one underwater pressure sensor, such as a hydrophone. Each sensor may be a seven-fiber intensity modulated fiber optic pressure sensor. The system includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing the pressure data received from each sensor and a processor which processes the received signals to calculate an approximate location of the noise source based upon the pressure signals received by the sensors at different times of arrival. The system can provide this capability in remote applications due to its low power requirements.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system for measuring electric currents, such as the associated with geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses. A fiber optic sensor system is disclosed including at least one light source, one or more first optical fibers having a first end arranged to receive light from the light source(s) and transmit the light to at least one of the sensor, and one or more second optical fibers arranged to receive reflected light from the fiber optic sensors and transmit the reflected light to a light sensing element. Using the sensors and the system, it is possible to measure currents within a structure of interest, such as upon the grounded neutral of an electric power transformer, take multiple measurements of current at the same piece of equipment or at multiple locations, or measure current and other physical phenomena on separate materials or structures.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a system of both atmospheric and underwater sensors for measuring pressure waves from a noise source. A system of pressure sensors can be formed to determine the location of an external noise source, whether in air or underwater. The system includes at least two arrays consisting of pressure sensors, including at least one atmospheric pressure sensor and at least one underwater pressure sensor, such as a hydrophone. Each sensor may be a seven-fiber intensity modulated fiber optic pressure sensor. The system includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing the pressure data received from each sensor and a processor which processes the received signals to calculate an approximate location of the noise source based upon the pressure signals received by the sensors at different times of arrival. The system can provide this capability in remote applications due to its low power requirements.

Abstract: An intensity modulated fiber optic acceleration sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a fiber bundle, comprising a transmitting optical fiber and at least one receiving optical fiber, and reflector spaced apart from the fiber probe. The reflector is attached to an element that exhibits a physical displacement in response to acceleration, such as a cantilever or a coil spring. The reflector moves in a direction relative to the fiber optic probe in response to acceleration. The amount of light received by the receiving fiber changes in response to the change in distance between the reflective surface and the fiber probe due to acceleration. A fiber optic sensor system for detecting acceleration along multiple planes of an object or objects of interest is disclosed. A triaxial sensor system has fiber optic sensors and may be configured to measure acceleration signals along three axes from a common plane of an object.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor for measuring voltage in direct current and alternating current systems is disclosed. The sensor may include an optical fiber probe containing transmitting and receiving fibers, fixed conductor elements, and a dynamic conductor element with a reflective surface or material. The reflector may be attached to a dynamic conductor. The two fixed conductors may be placed parallel to one another and coupled to a static voltage source. The dynamic conductor may bisect the fixed conductors and be coupled to a voltage source. The dynamic conductor may be spaced apart from the ends of the fibers in the fiber probe, and positioned so that light transmitted through the transmitting fiber is reflected by that surface into a receiving fiber. A light sensing means may be coupled to the receiving fiber, so light from a light reflected by the reflector body back into the receiving fibers is detected.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor for measuring electromagnetic phenomena, including electrical and magnetic fields, voltage, and current is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical fiber probe containing a transmitting fiber and at least one receiving fiber, and a reflective surface or body. The reflective surface or body may be part of or attached to a material exhibiting a physical displacement from a force exerted upon the material due to electromagnetic phenomena, such as an electrical field, a magnetic field, voltage, and current. The reflective surface may be spaced apart from the ends of the fibers in the probe, and positioned so that light transmitted through the transmitting fiber is reflected by that surface into at least one receiving fiber. A light sensing means is coupled to the at least one receiving fiber, so light from a light reflected by the reflector body back into the receiving fibers is detected.