Fiber optic gradient hydrophone and method of using same
AssigneeLitton Systems, Inc.
InventorEdward F. Carome
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The apparatus according to the invention is all-fiber optic device that produces an output indicative of the gradient of an acoustic wave in water. The device comprises a neutrally buoyant body having a relatively rigid outer case. When it is submerged in water, the motion of the case is the same as that of a water particle in the same vicinity. A fiber optic linear accelerometer produces a signal proportional to the component of acceleration.
Claims20
A fiber optic gradient hydrophone for measuring acoustic pressure gradients in a fluid such as water, comprising:
- a body configured to be neutrally buoyant in the fluid;
- a fiber optic interferometer having a first light path and a second light path in the neutrally buoyant body;
- means for introducing optical signals into the first and second light paths;
- and
- means for producing in the optical signals a phase change indicative of acoustic pressure gradients on the neutrally buoyant body.
A method for measuring acoustic pressure gradients in a fluid such as water, comprising the steps of:
- forming a body to be neutrally buoyant in the fluid;
- placing a fiber optic interferometer having a first light path and a second light path in the neutrally buoyant body;
- introducing optical signals into the first and second light paths;
- and
- producing in the optical signals a phase change indicative of acoustic pressure gradients on the neutrally buoyant body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.