Optical fiber voltage sensors for broad temperature ranges

Abstract

In this paper we describe the development of an optical fiber ac voltage sensor for aircraft and spacecraft applications. Among the most difficult specifications to meet for this application is a temperature stability of ± 1 % from -65 °C to +125 °C. This stability requires a careful selection of materials, components, and optical configuration with further compensation using an optical fiber temperature sensor located near the sensing element. The sensor is a polarimetric design, based on the linear electro-optic effect in bulk bismuth germanate (Bi4Ge3O12). The temperature sensor is also polarimetric, based on the temperature dependence of the birefringence of bulk SiO2. The temperature sensor output is used to automatically adjust the calibration of the instrument.