Abstract: A multiplexed fiber optic sensor system 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 fiber optic 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 sensor system, it is possible to measure physical phenomena, such as electromagnetic phenomena, along multiple points along or within a material or structure of interest or on separate materials or structures. The fiber optic sensors can be electromagnetic phenomena sensors, pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, strain sensors, temperature sensors, or other sensors designed to measure physical phenomena. The sensor system can be used to measure phenomena of interest at several locations or take different kinds of measurements at the same or approximately the same location.

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 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: 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.