Patent ID: 8705045
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: G01D,G01K,G01L,G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical sensor comprising: an optical cavity defined by a dielectric body and responsive to one or more physical environmental conditions; and a waveguide having a terminal end attached to a lens and spaced apart from the optical cavity such that light is optically coupled from the terminal end of the waveguide to the optical cavity through the lens, wherein the distance between the terminal end of the waveguide and the optical cavity is sufficient such that, in use, the waveguide is maintained at a first temperature that would not damage the optical or mechanical properties of the waveguide and the dielectric body is maintained at a second temperature higher than the first temperature and that would be sufficient to damage the optical or mechanical properties of the waveguide; the optical sensor further comprising an optical alignment mechanism for providing alignment between the waveguide and the optical cavity, the optical alignment mechanism comprising a ball joint having a ball arranged to support the lens and a socket arranged to adjustably support the ball.