AN OPTICAL PRESSURE SENSOR USING A LOW-COHERENCE LIGHT-SOURCE WITH A PHOTOELASTIC SENSING ELEMENT

This paper presents the results of an investigation of an optical pres sure sensor, using photoelastic material sensing element. A change in the optical path of light propagating in the stressed sensing element has been observed by monitoring a corresponding change in the optical path in a 'recovery' optical interferometer. The pressure to be measur ed is applied by placing a calibrated mass on the sensing element. Two optical arrangements, each using a low-coherence light source, have b een studied. Results are presented showing the potential of such a sys tem for wider pressure-sensor applications.