Multiple segment fiber optic hydrophone
AssigneeLitton Systems, Inc.
InventorsSteven J. Maas, A. Douglas Meyer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hydrophone includes a plurality of hydrophone components separated by finite spacings and interconnected to provide a single output signal. Each hydrophone component is based upon a single-mandrel design in which a cylindrical body is apportioned into sensing and reference sections. The sensing sections comprise coaxial arrangements of pliant inner and outer cylinders separated by an annular airspace while the adjacent reference sections comprise solid-walled cylinders. Finite separation distances between the hydrophone components result in reduced flow noise occasioned by increased sensing area while detection sensitivity is maintained.
Claims20
A hydrophone comprising, in combination:
- a) a plurality of hydrophone components;
- b) means for compliantly connecting adjacent hydrophone components;
- c) each of said hydrophone components including a mandrel comprising an integral, substantially-cylindrical body that is apportioned into axially-disposed sensing and reference sections;
- d) said hydrophone components being coaxially aligned with a finite separation distance between adjacent components and optically interconnected so that acoustic pressure-responsive signals generated by each are combined to form a single hydrophone output.
A hydrophone comprising, in combination;
- a) an integral, cylindrical mandrel including axially-disposed sensing and reference sections;
- b) a first optical fiber being wound about said sensing section;
- c) a second optical fiber being wound about said reference section;
- and
- d) an interferometer for receiving the signals transmitted by said first and second optical fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.