Patent ID: 7209605
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: G01D,G01K,G01N

Abstract:
1. An optical sensor comprising an optical fiber for conveying a light beam, said optical fiber being provided with a first end for receiving said light beam and a second end opposed thereto, a core and a cladding surrounding said core, said optical fiber having a longitudinal portion extending between said first and second ends having a predetermined longitudinally curved permanent shape and an intrinsic flexibility to allow a temporary deformation thereof, said optical fiber further having a claddingless portion having a longitudinal, a radial and an azimuthal limited extent, said azimuthal extent being less than 180 degrees, said claddingless portion defining a shaped cavity extending on said longitudinal portion so as to project outwardly there from, said optical sensor further comprising a sensing material extending in said cavity for forming a directional sensing area therein having a limited azimuthal extent less than 180 degrees in optical contact relationship with said core adapted to provide a directional selective contacting sensing, the longitudinally curved permanent shape and the intrinsic flexibility of the longitudinal portion, in combination with the directional sensing area projecting outwardly there from, enhancing contact between said directional sensing area and a sensed area of a solid surface, providing for discrimination between parameters of surrounding fluid and parameters of said sensed area to be measured.