CHARACTERISTICS OF A HIGH-TEMPERATURE FIBEROPTIC SENSOR PROBE

The thermal characteristics of a simple fibre-optic probe using alexan drite crystal are reported. Based on the fluorescence lifetime measure ment, the probe is capable of operation over the region from -40 to 70 0 degrees C with measurement resolution of 1 degrees C and response ti me less than one second. Measures to extend the upper operating temper ature of this alexandrite-based probe up to 1000 degrees C are also di scussed, including the prospect of cross-referencing of the fluorescen ce lifetime measurement with blackbody radiation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience S.A.