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US 7,453,572 B1Granted
Method and apparatus for continuous measurement of the refractive index of fluid
AssigneeUniversity of South Florida
InventorsAndres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Eric T. Steimle, Robert H. Byrne, Melynda Calves
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are herein disclosed which utilize a ratio based on a varied angle of incidence of light on an optical fiber analysis system. By calculating the ration of light incident on the sample element, variations in the system parameters which can provide deleterious effects are obviated.
Claims22
A method for measuring the refractive index of a fluid, comprising the steps of:
- providing a waveguide having a first end face and a second end face;
- inputting a first light into the first end face of the waveguide, at a first angle of incidence to the first end face;
- inputting a second light into the first end face of the waveguide, at a second angle of incidence to the first end face, wherein the second angle differs from the first angle;
- detecting, using a single detection device, the first light and second light upon exit from the second end face, wherein the second light is detected subsequent to the first light being detected;
- and
- comparing, using the first and second angles, a measurement of the first light taken at the second end face to a measurement of the second light taken at the second end face wherein the step of comparing automatically compensates for fluctuations in intensity of the first light and second light without the use of a reference measurement received external to the single detection device to compensate for fluctuations in intensity.
3 more elements
An apparatus for measuring the refractive index a fluid, comprising:
- an optical element having a first end face and a second end face;
- a light source, wherein the light source is operable to shine light onto the first end face of the optical element;
- an angular selection apparatus wherein the angular selection apparatus is operable to:
- input a first light onto the first end face of the optical element at a first angle of incidence to the first end face;
- and
- input a second light onto the first end face of the optical element at a second angle of incidence to the first end face, wherein the second angle differs from the first angle;
- and
- a detector, wherein the detector is operable to measure the first light and the second light exiting at the second end face of the optical element, wherein the detector is operable to measure the refractive index of a fluid without receiving measurements from a referencing device external to the detector.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.