Patent ID: 6431010
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: A61B,G01F

Abstract:
A fluid flow monitoring device comprising:A) a laser source for producing a laser beam defining a beam frequency, B) a quantity of light absorbing material having a high optical absorption at said frequency and configured for placement in said fluid flow, C) an optical fiber for transmitting said laser beam to said light absorbing material wherein said laser beam when absorbed in the material causes a temperature rise in the material, D) a temperature sensor, having a temperature sensor element located in or adjacent to said light absorbing material, for sensing temperature in said light absorbing material and producing a signal indicative of said temperature, and E) a detector for detecting signals from said sensor; wherein said light absorbing material, when inserted into said fluid flow and illuminated by said laser beam, absorbs energy from said laser beam and is thereby heated by said laser beam and cooled by said fluid flow, experiences temperature changes indicative of said fluid flow which changes are sensed by said temperature sensor producing signals which are detected by said detector to monitor said fluid flow.