Agile lensing-based non-contact liquid level optical sensor for extreme environments

    Authors

    S. A. Reza;N. A. Riza

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Opt. Commun.

    Keywords

    CRYOGENIC ENVIRONMENT; LASER-BEAM; FIBERS; SYSTEM; Optics

    Abstract

    To the best of the author's knowledge, demonstrated is the first opto-fluidic technology- based sensor for detection of liquid levels. An opto-fluidic Electronically Controlled Variable Focus Lens (ECVFL) is used to change the spatial intensity profile of the low power optical beam falling on the liquid surface. By observing, tuning and measuring the liquid surface reflected intensity profile to reach its smallest size, the liquid level is determined through a beam spot size versus ECVFL focal length calibration table. Using a 50 mu W 632.8 nm laser wavelength liquid illuminating beam, a proof-of-concept sensor is tested using engine oil, vegetable oil, and detergent fluid with measured liquid levels over a 75 cm range. This non-contact Radio Frequency (RF) modulation-free sensor is particularly suited for hazardous fluids in window-accessed sealed containers including liquid carrying vessels in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) rich environments. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Optics Communications

    Volume

    283

    Issue/Number

    18

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    3391

    Last Page

    3397

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000280051300005

    ISSN

    0030-4018

    Share

    COinS