OPTICAL VISCOSITY SENSOR USING FORWARD LIGHT-SCATTERING

A novel optical viscosity sensor using forward light scattering is pre sented. The sensor concept is based on the fact that the frequency res ponse of a fiber partially submerged in a fluid is sensitive to the vi scosity of the fluid. The viscosity is determined by measuring the vib ration of a sinusoidally excited optical fiber. The sensor exhibits an excellent sensitivity for measuring the viscosity. A significant chan ge (approximate to 1-10 dB) in the amplitude of the vibration and a fr equency shift of 26 Hz in the response spectrum of the fiber during me asurement in air, water and 5-40% sucrose solutions have been observed .