Patent ID: 6320992
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G01P,G02B

Abstract:
An acceleration sensor, comprising:an integrated optics substrate;an integrated optics waveguide having a selected length formed generally in a spiral-shaped configuration in the integrated optics substrate;an optical fiber having a first end coupled to a first end of the integrated optics waveguide to transfer optical signals therebetween;an optical coupler connected to a second end of the optical fiber;an optical fiber coil connected to the optical coupler, the optical fiber coil, the optical coupler and the integrated optics waveguide being arranged to be included in an interferometer, the interferometer being arranged to produce an optical signal;mounting apparatus arranged to mount the integrated optics substrate such that acceleration of the integrated optics substrate along a selected axis produces a strain in the substrate that causes a change in the length of the first integrated optics waveguide to produce a change in the optical signal;apparatus for monitoring the optical signal and correlating the change in the optical signal with the acceleration; andwherein the integrated optics waveguide is embedded in the substrate and wherein the substrate further includes a slanted slot therein that extends to the second end of the optical waveguide, the first end of the optical fiber being positioned within the slot and butt-coupled to the second end of the integrated optics waveguide.