Abstract: An optical fiber sensor for inducing a microbend in an optical fiber in the presence of a detectable fluid such as water includes a chamber with an expansible block located therein. When water enters the chamber, the block expands in a particular direction to move a pusher bar which, in turn, moves a puller wire to bend the fiber at a location remote from the chamber. A gap may initially be provided between the expansible block and the pusher bar so that the presence of water vapor within the chamber will not move the pusher bar but the presence of liquid water will.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 4, 1996
Date of Patent:
May 26, 1998
Assignee:
Mark Products, Inc.
Inventors:
James T. Lindow, Dean T. Mack, Edward R. McCourt, Jr.