Fiber optic-based probe for use in conductive media

A system for monitoring and alerting to change in media, comprising:

• at least one optical means for sensing change in at least one characteristic of said media and transmitting data representing said change;
• at least one array of said optical means, wherein an end of each said optical means is affixed to a support having a long axis, and wherein each said optical means is exposed orthogonal to said media with respect to said long axis, and wherein said array is configured to provide a pre-specified level of detail regarding said change;
• at least one means for energizing each said optical means, said means for energizing in operable communication with each said optical means;
• at least one means for processing said data, said means for processing in operable communication with each said optical means, wherein said means for processing provides real time alerting to said change, and wherein said means for processing displays and records said change;
• and
• at least one means for coupling together said optical means, said means for energizing and said means for processing.

A method for monitoring and alerting to change in media, comprising:

• providing at least one array having at least one optical fiber, said array affixed to at least one support having a long axis;
• exposing an end of each said optical fiber orthogonal to said media with respect to said long axis;
• configuring said array to provide a pre-specified level of detail regarding said change;
• impressing an optical signal from at least one source on each said optical fiber in said array;
• collecting said impressed optical signal and a response signal of said media to said impressed optical signal;
• providing a sub-system in operable communication with each said optical fiber, wherein said sub-system processes said response to enable real time alerting to said change, and wherein said sub-system displays and records said change;
• and
• providing at least one coupler in operable communication with each said optical fiber, said source, and said sub-system.