Patent ID: 6164817
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring the dew point of an atmosphere comprising:means for controlling the operation of said apparatus;first means for transmitting light energy from a source of light energy to an optical core extending into said atmosphere, said optical core including an end prepared as a reflecting surface;second means for transmitting light energy connected to said first means for transmitting light energy, coupling the light energy reflected from said reflecting surface to a light energy detector, said light energy detector arranged to output signals to said means for controlling, which represent the magnitude of said light energy detected;means for cooling said optical core operatively connected to said means for controlling arranged to cool said optical core to a temperature below the ambient temperature of said atmosphere to cause water vapor that may be contained in said atmosphere to condense on said optical core; andmeans for measuring the temperature of the optical core operatively connected to said means for controlling and responsive to the deposition of condensate on said optical core, an evanescent region is formed in the area of said condensate, decreasing the magnitude of light energy coupled to said second means for transmitting light energy, wherein said light energy detector outputs to said means for controlling output signals representative of said decreased magnitude of light energy, causing said means for controlling to read the temperature of said optical core and establish the dew point of said atmosphere.