HIGH-TEMPERATURE FIBER OPTIC IMAGING

An experimental demonstration of fiber optic imaging inside a furnace at 1000 degrees C is described. A low-resolution sapphire fiber optic video system was designed, fabricated, and tested for basic performanc e in a small tube furnace. The imaging fiber bundle was assembled usin g 100 high-quality sapphire fibers aligned and bonded at each end. Exp eriments to achieve a high-temperature cladding are described Referenc e imaging experiments at room temperature were performed with the sapp hire fiber bundle and a commercial glass fiber bundle of comparable si ze. Imaging experiments at 1000 degrees C are described and discussed.