Patent ID: 7329857
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: G01F,G01J,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring an unknown position, X, of an object by using a side-emitting fiber optic position sensor, comprising: a) providing a side-emitting fiber optic position sensor comprising a side-emitting optical fiber having a first end, an opposing second end, a first photodetector optically coupled to the first end for measuring a first intensity of light, S b) side-illuminating the fiber with a concentrated beam of light; wherein the light source is located at an unknown axial position, X, along the fiber, as measured in the curvilinear coordinate system; c) in-scattering some of the side-illuminating light into the fiber; d) guiding the in-scattered light along the fiber; e) attenuating the intensity of the guided light as the guided light travels further and further away from the unknown axial position, X; f) measuring with the first photodetector a first intensity of light, S g) determining the position, X, of the light source by comparing the measured first light intensity, S wherein the fiber does not comprise fluorescent materials; and wherein the method does not include generating fluorescent light by causing fluorescence of fluorescent materials inside of the fiber.