Patent ID: 6222952
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A transducer unit adapted to be fitted to an optical fibre, the transducer unit comprising a support structure carrying an assembly of clamp members mutually spaced from one another in a generally linear direction, the clamp members being adapted and arranged to be secured individually to an optical fibre extending in said direction, obstructive means disposed in the path of the optical fibre between first and second clamp members of the assembly for pre-bending of the fibre from its linear path when the fibre is clamped, a sensor element which is sensitive to a particular measurand disposed between at least one of the first and second clamp members and another clamp member of the assembly, the sensor element being such that in operation exposure to the particular measurand causes a dimensional change of the sensor element in said linear direction, the arrangement of the transducer unit being such that the magnitude of the bend in the fibre is enlarged to an abnormal level which introduces a measurable loss in transmission characteristics of the fibre when the sensor element is exposed to the particular measurand.