Abstract: A method and system for controlling the intervals during which light signals are sampled in a fiber-optic sensing system compensates for signal artifacts that are caused by movement of the fiber-optic waveguide during the sampling. The method and system sample the light signals at intervals that are shorter than the intervals during which displacement of the optical waveguide occurs in normal use. The short-sampling intervals result in the individual sampling of different wavelengths of light being exposed to the same changes in transmission characteristics of the optical waveguide which causes signal artifacts. Accordingly, when subsequent processing of the collected signals occurs, the effects of the signal artifacts are compensated for.

Abstract: An improved refractory nozzle for use with a tundish in the atomization of molten metal to produce metal particles for powder metallurgy applications. The nozzle is constructed from refractory material and has a metal sleeve surrounding the nozzle bore near the discharge end thereof but offset a distance from the bore. The metal sleeve minimizes cracking caused by the thermal gradient resulting from molten metal passing through the nozzle to heat the nozzle interior to a temperature higher than the nozzle exterior at the tip.