Title

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

Authors

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

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