Oscilloscope probe with fiber optic sensor for measuring floating electrical signals

Abstract

An oscilloscope probe with a fiber optic sensor for measuring floating electrical signals, the probe modulating a light energy signal with stable intensity in response to an applied input signal. The modulated signal is sent over a fiber optic cable with the electrical signal by means of a voltage-controlled integrated optical interferometer device, using an electro-optical active crystal. No auxiliary electrical power supply is needed for the sensor head. An analog light signal is produced at the output of the sensor head, and transmitted to a receiver unit over this fiber optic cable. The receiver converts the light into an equivalent electrical signal, and transfers it to an oscilloscope. All components of the sensor head are housed in a sealed metallic, shielded package.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.