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A temperature sensor utilizing a semiconductor sensing element which absorbs monochromatic radiant energy as a function of temperature. The apparatus includes a monochromatic radiant energy source, radiant energy guide means, a semiconductor sensing element interposed in the radiant energy guide mea

A temperature sensor utilizing a semiconductor sensing element which absorbs monochromatic radiant energy as a function of temperature. The apparatus includes a monochromatic radiant energy source, radiant energy guide means, a semiconductor sensing element interposed in the radiant energy guide means and a detector for detecting the intensity of the monochromatic radiant energy transmitted by the semiconductor sensing element. Advantageously, optical fibers may be used as the radiant energy guide means for directing the monochromatic radiant energy to the semiconductor and returning the transmitted radiant energy to the detector. The semiconductor sensing element is fabricated from a suitable semiconductor material such as galium arsenide. Additionally, the semiconductor material can be fabricated as a mirror or reflecting prism so that it serves both as the sensing element and as part of the optical components for the radiant energy guide means.

대표청구항 ▼

A temperature sensor comprising in combination: a radiant energy path means comprising a first optical fiber waveguide means and a second optical fiber waveguide means; sensing means prismatically configurated so as to provide a direct reflective path from said first waveguide means, through said se

A temperature sensor comprising in combination: a radiant energy path means comprising a first optical fiber waveguide means and a second optical fiber waveguide means; sensing means prismatically configurated so as to provide a direct reflective path from said first waveguide means, through said sensing means, to said second waveguide means, said sensing means being fabricated from material which absorbs a portion of a monochromatic radiant energy transmitted along said direct reflective path through said sensing means as a function of temperature; a monochromatic radiant energy source means optically coupled to said first optical fiber waveguide means, thereby introducing said monochromatic radiant energy into said first optical fiber waveguide means; and detecting means optically coupled to said second optical fiber waveguide means for detecting the intensity of the monochromatic radiant energy transmitted along said direct reflective path through said sensing means, the detecting means correlating the intensity of the transmitted monochromatic radiant energy with the temperature of the sensing means.