A Mechanical Switch Using Spectral Microshifts

Gordon L Mitchell; Elric W. Saaski; James C. Hartl

doi:10.1117/12.948827

1 February 1989 A Mechanical Switch Using Spectral Microshifts

Gordon L Mitchell, Elric W. Saaski, James C. Hartl

Proceedings Volume 0985, Fiber Optic and Laser Sensors VI; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948827
Event: O-E/Fiber LASE '88, 1988, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Among the simplest fiber optic sensors, are those which operate in a binary fashion; they were the first sensor types to be developed. Early experiments with fiber bundles and shutters produced demonstrations of, for example, displacement sensors. Typical applications range from position sensing for aircraft landing gear to counting objects on a production line. Because they frequently replace electrical snap action switches, binary sensors are generally called optical switches. Optical switch applications account for a much larger market than the more complex analog measurements discussed in the balance of this volume. This paper presents an optical switch concept that uses a single fiber and is tolerant of back reflections. The sensor element is a low finesse Fabry-Perot pressure sensor which replaces the electrical contact in a conventional snap action switch.

Citation Download Citation

Gordon L Mitchell, Elric W. Saaski, and James C. Hartl "A Mechanical Switch Using Spectral Microshifts", Proc. SPIE 0985, Fiber Optic and Laser Sensors VI, (1 February 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948827

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