Patent Description:
Spectrometers are used to measure various physical properties of sample substances, as well as their chemical composition. Spectrometers also are used for measuring physical conditions of a space or a sample, such as temperature, strain, pressure, inclination, and acceleration. An optical spectrum analyzer is one type of spectrometer, and which measures optical power as a function of wavelength. Optical spectrum analyzers typically disperse light through a prism or diffraction grating, and employ photosensitive sensors in a path of the dispersed light that detect the light. The photosensitive sensors are usually an array of charge coupled diodes or photodiodes, and which convert the detected light into electrical current.

A Fiber Bragg Grating is one type of diffraction grating used to disperse light to the photosensitive sensors. A Fiber Bragg Grating is a fiber optic member with a central core that has been modified so that its refractive index is altered at discrete distances to define the grating.

Typically the alterations follow a periodic pattern that repeats at a designated distance, so that light is reflected at each change of refraction. Generally, the periodic pattern, which is usually referred to as the grating period, is formed to reflect light of a particular wavelength. Most of the light reflected is at a wavelength that is about twice that of the grating period. Thus the wavelength at which most of the light is reflected in the Fiber Bragg Grating is usually identified as the Bragg wavelength. Light at wavelengths outside of the Bragg wavelength passes through the Fiber Bragg Grating and is not reflected. Currently known light sensors for use with optical spectrometers are susceptible to damage when exposed to high temperatures, thereby limiting application of optical spectrometers.

<CIT> discloses an optical waveguide device for monitoring a characteristics of light, e.g. a wavelength. The device incorporates a waveguide, such as an optical fiber, with an embedded tilted Bragg grating operating in a regime of wavelength detuning. The grating is designed to disperse light azimuthally in two or more different directions about the fiber axis, said directions changing with wavelength. A photodetector array is provided for detecting the azimuthal distribution of light. A processor coupled to the photodetector array determines wavelength information from the detected azimuthal distribution of the out-coupled light.

<CIT> discloses a fiber optic modulation and demodulation system, and more particularly a telemetry system for relaying signals from sensors in remote, harsh environments. Light is modulated using one or more optical reflective grating and piezoelectric crystal combinations, and demodulated using an interferometer system. The one or more modulators are driven by the responses of one or more sensors thereby modulating one or more carrier wavelengths of a carrier light source. The modulated light signal is transmitted from the sensor or sensors, over an optical fiber, to an interferometer which is used to demodulate the reflected signals and thereby determine the responses of one or more sensors.

The present invention is defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to an aspect, there is provided an optical spectrometer as claimed in claim <NUM>. The scanning assembly includes an electrically responsive member that when energized experiences a change in size, wherein the electrically responsive member is coupled with the transmission medium and, so that when the electrically responsive member is energized the transmission medium and the grating undergo a change in length that changes a direction of a path of the stray light that is directed from the transmission medium. Optionally, the electrically responsive member has an amount of piezoelectric material. Optionally, the scanning assembly comprises a translation system that laterally reciprocates the sensor along a path that is intersected by the stray light. Optionally, the scanning assembly comprises a reflective surface that reciprocatingly tilts over a range and is strategically located so that stray light contacting the reflective surface is reflected to the sensor. In one example, the electromagnetic energy is reflected from a sample and wherein a bandwidth of the electromagnetic energy is representative of a chemical composition of the sample. Embodiments exist wherein the electromagnetic energy has light having a discrete bandwidth. Optionally, the grating is a first grating, and wherein the electromagnetic energy is reflected from a second grating that is disposed within a space, and wherein a bandwidth of the electromagnetic energy is representative of a temperature within the space. Optionally, the sensor and source of electromagnetic energy are disposed in a wellbore. Embodiments exist where the sensor is a single sensor, or two or more photo sensitive elements, such as a photodiode, that are in close proximity to act as a single sensor.

An optical spectrometer is disclosed herein which includes a brazed optical grating in communication with electromagnetic energy that is within a bandwidth that is representative of information about a sensed subject, the electromagnetic energy refracted from the brazed optical grating in an azimuthal direction from the brazed optical grating, and which defines stray light. This example also includes an optical sensor for receiving the stray light and converting the stray light into electricity and a scanning system for aligning the stray light with the optical sensor.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method of spectroscopy as claimed in claim <NUM>. In one embodiment, a spectrum of the electromagnetic energy contains compositional information about a sample. Optionally, a spectrum of the electromagnetic energy contains information about a temperature of a space.

In an example, a voltage of the electricity correlates to a temperature of a space sensed with the electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the step of aligning includes reciprocating the optical sensor along a path that is oblique with a transmission medium that carries the electromagnetic energy, and substantially orthogonal with a path of the stray light. Optionally, the step of aligning involves tilting a reflective surface in a path of the stray light so that the stray light is scanned across the optical sensor. Optionally, the optical sensor and a source of the electromagnetic energy are disposed in a wellbore. Embodiments exist where the optical sensor is a single optical sensor, or two or more photo sensitive elements, such as a photodiode, that when combined act as a single optical sensor.

Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment.

The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. In an embodiment, usage of the term "about" includes +/- <NUM>% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment, usage of the term "substantially" includes +/- <NUM>% of the cited magnitude.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

<FIG> shows in a side partial sectional view an example of a downhole tool <NUM> which includes an elongated housing <NUM> having a substantially curved outer circumference. The tool <NUM> is coaxially disposed within a string of tubing <NUM> and which is set in a wellbore <NUM> that intersects a subterranean formation <NUM>. Wellbore <NUM> is lined with casing <NUM>, and which circumscribes tubing <NUM>. Other embodiments exist where tool <NUM> is disposed within an open hole wellbore that is not lined with casing, or a wellbore without tubing. Within housing is a downhole analyzer <NUM>, which as as will be described in more detail below, is useful for analyzing conditions and properties downhole. For example, sensor <NUM> is useful for obtaining temperatures within wellbore <NUM>, and in other embodiments analyzes the chemical compounds or constituents of solids or fluids sampled within wellbore <NUM>. Tool <NUM> is suspended in the wellbore <NUM> on a conveyance means <NUM>, which provides a means for deploying tool <NUM> in wellbore <NUM>, and also provides a medium for data and control signals between surface and tool <NUM>. Examples of the conveyance means <NUM>. include wireline, slick line, cable, coiled tubing, and any other currently known or later developed means for deploying and controlling tools downhole. In an alternative example, tool <NUM> is included as part of a logging/measuring while drilling operation. Capping the wellbore <NUM> is a wellhead assembly <NUM> which provides pressure control and selective ingress to wellbore <NUM>. An optional cablehead connector <NUM> is shown mounted on an upper end of housing <NUM>, and provides a connection point for conveyance means <NUM> to tool <NUM>. An optional controller <NUM> is schematically illustrated on surface and outside of the wellbore <NUM>, and which includes a memory and communications means for controlling and/or communicating with tool <NUM> and via communication means <NUM>. Example of communication means <NUM> include hardwire, fiber optics, and wireless signals.

An example of a spectrometer <NUM> is schematically illustrated in a side partial sectional view in <FIG>. Example applications for spectrometer <NUM> include estimating temperature(s) in the wellbore <NUM> (<FIG>), identifying substances downhole, and identifying chemical compositions of substances downhole. In an embodiment, the substances are collected by tool <NUM> while in the wellbore <NUM>, and the analysis with the spectrometer <NUM> is conducted while the tool <NUM> remains in the wellbore <NUM>. Included with this embodiment of this spectrometer <NUM> is a transmission medium <NUM> shown having an end in communication with a sampling apparatus <NUM>. In one example, transmission medium <NUM> includes a fiber optic core <NUM> which is a substantially transparent member and provides a medium for the transmission of electromagnetic energy, such as light. Electromagnetic energy is transmitted from sampling apparatus <NUM> to spectrometer <NUM> via transmission medium <NUM>. Electromagnetic energy is received within sampling apparatus <NUM> and then directed into a space or onto a substance. When interrogating the space or substance, one or more properties of the electromagnetic energy are altered to define conditioned electromagnetic energy EMc. In the example of <FIG>, the conditioned electromagnetic energy EMc is a signal of light having a bandwidth λSB, the maximum intensity IMAX of the signal occurs at a wavelength within bandwidth λSB. Analyzing the conditioned electromagnetic energy EMc, such as with the spectrometer <NUM>, yields information about the space (i.e. a temperature in the space) or sampled substance. Information about the sampled substance include identification of the substance itself, as well as identification of constituents within the substance.

A cladding <NUM> circumscribes core <NUM> and provides protection as well as a surface from which the electromagnetic energy internally reflects as it is being transmitted along the transmission medium <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, included within core <NUM> is a Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>. In this example, the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> is brazed or tilted, and formed from a number of gratings <NUM> that represent a change in an index of refraction within the core <NUM>. Spaced obliquely from the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> is a receiver <NUM> and which includes a sensor <NUM> on a side facing the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the receiver <NUM> is a photodiode which receives electromagnetic energy in the form of light and converts the light into electricity, and sensor <NUM> represents the semi-conductor material within photodiode where the conversion occurs. Receiver <NUM> is coupled to and in communication with another transmission medium <NUM>. An outlet <NUM> is mounted on an end of receiver <NUM> opposite from sensor <NUM>, and which provides connection between receiver and transmission medium <NUM>. An end of transmission medium <NUM> distal from receiver <NUM> connects to an analyzer <NUM> and which contains hardware and software for analyzing signals from receiver <NUM> transmitted through transmission medium <NUM>.

Still referring to the example of <FIG>, transmission medium <NUM> mounts to and is supported on a support member <NUM> which is shown having a pair of spaced-apart frame elements <NUM>, <NUM>. Frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> contact portions of transmission medium <NUM> on opposing sides of Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>. Spanning between the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> is a piezoelectric member <NUM> which when energized experiences a change in length. Piezoelectric member <NUM> is selectively energized by a power source <NUM> is shown having leads <NUM>, <NUM> connected thereto and where ends of leads <NUM>, <NUM> distal from power source <NUM> are in electrical contact with the piezoelectric member <NUM>. Attachment points <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated where the transmission medium <NUM> is supported on the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> and which attach the transmission medium <NUM> to the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> at these locations. The tilted or brazed gratings <NUM> of Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> introduce a refractive change into the transmission medium <NUM> that diffract electromagnetic energy within a particular bandwidth, and azimuthally from the transmission medium <NUM>. In one example and for the purposes of discussion herein, the phrase "azimuthally from the transmission medium <NUM>" means that the diffracted light is directed along one or more optical paths having differing projections onto a plane oriented normal to an axis of grating <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the conditioned electromagnetic magnetic energy EMc diffracted by Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> is stray light <NUM>, which diffracts from the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> at an angle θ<NUM> that is oblique to core <NUM>, and where angle θ<NUM> is dependent on a wavelength of the conditioned electromagnetic magnetic energy EMc. Path P<NUM> illustrates an example route of stray light <NUM> leaving Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>.

As shown by double-headed arrow AFB (which runs substantially parallel with transmission medium <NUM>) by energizing piezoelectric member <NUM> with electricity from power source <NUM> via leads <NUM>, <NUM>, piezoelectric member <NUM> is elongated. Elongating piezoelectric member <NUM> urges frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> away from one another. As the transmission medium <NUM> is attached to frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> at attachment points <NUM>, <NUM>, moving the frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> further away from one another stretches a portion of transmission medium <NUM> between attachment points <NUM>, <NUM> and produces an internal strain within this portion of transmission medium <NUM>. Straining transmission medium <NUM> as shown consequently applies a corresponding strain to Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> thereby altering a path of the light <NUM> that is refracted from the gratings within the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>. As shown, applying the strain to the transmission medium <NUM> and Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>, the stray light <NUM> refracted from the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> is selectively directed along a series of different paths P<NUM>-<NUM>, which are illustrated as being oriented at oblique angles θ<NUM>-<NUM> from core <NUM>. Directing the stray light <NUM> along the different paths P<NUM>-<NUM> scans the stray light <NUM> along an arcuate length ARC to ensure the receiver <NUM> is illuminated with an amount of stray light <NUM> so that a signal or series of signals are generated by sensor <NUM>, and directed into transmission medium <NUM> for analysis by analyzer <NUM>. The scanning technique described herein is employed to align the receiver <NUM> with the stray light <NUM> so that the amount of stray light <NUM> illuminating the sensor <NUM> is sufficient to extract information from the conditioned electromagnetic energy EMC received from sampling apparatus <NUM>.

Further in the example of <FIG>, the combination of the piezoelectric member <NUM>, power source <NUM>, leads <NUM>, <NUM>, and frame elements <NUM>, <NUM> define an example of a scanning assembly <NUM>. As noted above, an advantage of the scanning assembly <NUM> is that the receiver <NUM> with its sensor <NUM> is irradiated with a sufficient amount of stray light <NUM> so that meaningful analysis results are obtained. Employing the example scanning assembly <NUM> provides a significant advantage over the currently known use of arrays of sensing devices, which are not capable of operating in high temperature situations, such as those often experienced within a wellbore. In an embodiment, high temperature situations are those where temperature is at least about <NUM>° F for a period of time exceeding <NUM> hour. Another advantage of the method and system described herein is that the stray light <NUM> is directed to a precise location so that embodiments exist where the receiver <NUM> is a single receiver and/or the sensor <NUM> is a single sensor. Further alternatives exist where receiver <NUM> or sensor <NUM> include two or more receivers <NUM> or sensors <NUM> disposed proximate one another and that act as a single receiver <NUM> or sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic example of one embodiment of a sampling apparatus 38A and shown having a source 72A of electromagnetic energy. In an example, source 72A generates light, and is optionally a superluminescent light emitting diode. An example of a transmission medium 74A is depicted having an end coupled to source 72A, which transmits electromagnetic energy generated by source 72A to a splitter 76A. On an end of splitter 76A distal from transmission medium 74A, a pair of additional transmission mediums 78A, 80A are shown extending from splitter 76A on an end opposite from transmission medium 74A. An end of transmission medium 78A distal from splitter 76A projects into a space 82A where temperature is being sensed with the sampling apparatus 38A. In an example, space 82A is within wellbore <NUM> (<FIG>), and which alternatively is within or outside of tool <NUM>. A diffraction grating 84A is formed within the transmission medium 78A and in a portion within space 82A, where in one embodiment diffraction grating 84A is a Fiber Bragg Grating. Gratings 85A in the transmission medium 78A define changes in the refractive index of the transmission medium 78A.

In a non-limiting example of operation of the sampling apparatus 38A, electromagnetic energy from source 72A travels to diffraction grating 84A via transmission mediums 74A, 78A and splitter 76A. In the illustrated example, gratings 85A have a grating period, so that electromagnetic energy from source 72A having a designated wavelength, or range of wavelengths, is reflected from diffraction grating 84A back towards splitter 76A. The portion of electromagnetic energy in transmission medium 78A that is outside of the designated wavelength or range of wavelengths is transmitted past diffraction grating 84A. Moreover, the wavelength or range of wavelengths reflected by diffraction grating 84A is dependent on the temperature in the space 82A. In this example, the electromagnetic energy reflected from diffraction grating 84A, and thus reflected from gratings 85A, is that within bandwidth λSB. The reflected electromagnetic energy is directed back through transmission 78A, into splitter 76A and exits into transmission medium 36A, where it is then guided to the spectrometer 34A.

Further in the example of <FIG>, a particular voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material <NUM> (<FIG>), which in turn strains the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> a designated amount, so that the stray light <NUM> exiting the transmission medium <NUM> is directed along a designated path. For the purposes of discussion herein, a designated path of the stray light <NUM> (such as one of paths P<NUM>-<NUM>), is one that irradiates receiver <NUM> with stray light <NUM>, and with sufficient illumination, so that receiver <NUM> generates electrical signals that yield an estimate of temperature in space 82A when analyzed with analyzer <NUM>. As indicated above, the angle at which the electromagnetic energy reflects from the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> depends at least in part on the wavelength of the stray light <NUM>. Also, because the wavelength of the stray light <NUM> is the same as the electromagnetic energy that reflects from the diffraction grating 84A, changes in temperature of the space 82A (<FIG>) alter the wavelength of electromagnetic energy directed to Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM> via transmission medium <NUM>. Changes in temperature in the space 82A therefore necessarily alter the angle from which the stray light <NUM> exits the Fiber Bragg Grating <NUM>. Thus, by observing the voltage being applied to the piezoelectric material <NUM> when the stray light <NUM> is reflected along a one of the paths P<NUM>-<NUM> that sufficiently illuminate receiver <NUM> to obtain meaningful results, the voltage can be correlated to the temperature within the space 82A. This correlation can be done theoretically or empirically.

Another example of a scanning assembly 71B is represented in schematic form in <FIG>. Here, stray light 70B refracted from Fiber Bragg Grating 44B is shown projecting along a pair of non-parallel paths P1B, P2B, and where both paths P1B, P2B are redirected so that stray light 70B traveling along either of paths P1B, P2B illuminate receiver 46B. Construction of the Fiber Bragg Grating 44B dictates the direction of the path of the stray light 70B refracted from Fiber Bragg Grating 44B, and is based on the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy in the transmission medium 36B. A pivoting reflector 86B is shown strategically located and sized to accommodate for the range in angles over which stray light 70B leaves the Fiber Bragg Grating 44B. The reflector 86B in set the potential pathways of stray light 70B, and includes a reflective surface 88B facing in the direction of the Fiber Bragg Grating 44B. A rotation means (not shown) pivots reflector 86B about an axis that is transverse to the paths P1B, P2B so that the stray light 70B reflected from reflective surface 88B is scanned across receiver 46B along an arcuate range ARC1 so that a sufficient amount the stray light 70B irradiates receiver 46B to obtain wavelength and intensity information about the stray light 70B. In the example of <FIG>, the relative locations of the Fiber Bragg Grating 44B and receiver 46B remain substantially constant, and characteristics of the Fiber Bragg Grating 44B remain substantially constant as well.

Shown in schematic form in <FIG> is another example of a spectrometer 34C and having a scanning assembly 71C so that a receiver 46C is illuminated with a sufficient amount of stray light 70B being refracted from Fiber Bragg Grating 44C so that intensity and wavelength information about the stray light 70B is obtained from an output of the receiver 46C. Here, the electromagnetic energy within transmission medium 36C is provided from a sampling apparatus 38C and transmitted within core 40C. On contacting the gratings 45C within Fiber Bragg Grating 44C, the light 70C is refracted on a number of different paths P1C-4C, depending on a wave length of the electromagnetic energy being refracted from gratings 45C. In an embodiment, the scanning assembly 71C translates the receiver 46C laterally and along a path illustrated by arrow AT which is generally orthogonal to the paths P1C-4C. In an example, scanning assembly 71C moves receiver 46C reciprocatingly towards and away from paths P1C-4C, and on lateral sides of each of the paths P1C-4C. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 46C mounts to an example of a translation system 90C that reciprocates the receiver 46C in the motion as shown and described above. Included with translation system 90C is a base 92C on which a reciprocating harness 94C is mounted. The receiver 46C couples to the harness 94C, so that receiver 46C moves with movement of the harness 94C, and thereby provides a scanning function so that the receiver 46C is illuminated with a sufficient amount of stray light 70C to obtain information about the electromagnetic energy being received from sampling apparatus 38C.

Claim 1:
An optical spectrometer (<NUM>) comprising:
a transmission medium (<NUM>) having an end in communication with a source (<NUM>) of electromagnetic energy;
a grating (<NUM>) formed in the transmission medium (<NUM>) strategically formed so that electromagnetic energy from the source (<NUM>) transmitted through the transmission medium (<NUM>) is directed at angles away from the transmission medium (<NUM>) along the grating (<NUM>) to define stray light (<NUM>);
an optical receiver (<NUM>) having:
a sensor (<NUM>) that is responsive to being contacted by the stray light (<NUM>) from the grating (<NUM>), and
an outlet (<NUM>) in communication with an analyzer (<NUM>) and from which an electrical signal is transmitted that is generated by the stray light (<NUM>) from the grating (<NUM>) contacting the sensor (<NUM>); and
a scanning assembly (<NUM>) that selectively alters one of, a path of the stray light (<NUM>) from the grating (<NUM>), or a position of the optical receiver (<NUM>), so that when the stray light (<NUM>) is directed from the transmission medium (<NUM>), the sensor (<NUM>) is positioned in a path of the stray light (<NUM>) and exposed to at least a portion of the stray light (<NUM>);
wherein the scanning assembly (<NUM>) comprises an electrically responsive member that when energized experiences a change in size, wherein the electrically responsive member is coupled with the transmission medium (<NUM>), so that when the electrically responsive member is energized the transmission medium (<NUM>) and the grating (<NUM>) undergo a change in length that changes a direction of a path of the stray light (<NUM>) that is directed from the transmission medium (<NUM>).