A zirconia single-crystal fibre-optic sensor for contact measurement of temperatures above 2000 °C

Abstract

Conventional sapphire fibre-optic sensors show excellent performance in high-temperature applications, but they cannot be used for contact measurement of temperatures above 1900 °C. In order to extend the operating temperature of fibre-optic sensors, a radiation-based zirconia single-crystal fibre-optic sensor has been developed. This novel sensor can be operated up to 2300 °C. A 60 mm long and 0.45 mm thick yttria-stabilized zirconia single-crystal fibre with one end coated with a layer of BeO ceramic is used to generate and transmit radiation signals at high temperature. Another 520 mm long and 0.80 mm thick sapphire fibre is used as a sub-high-temperature waveguide. Experimental results from 1200 °C to 2300 °C demonstrate that the developed sensor is very promising for applications beyond 2000 °C.

Optical Fiber Sensors for High-Temperature Monitoring: A Review

“…In addition to silica and sapphire fibers, other high-temperature resistant fibers are used to make high-temperature sensors. In 1999, Tong et al developed a zirconia single-crystal fiber-optic sensor to improve the upper limit of work temperature measurement of the fiber-optic sensor [ 37 ]. In this sensor, a zirconia single-crystal fiber (SCF) was fabricated using the Laser Heated Pedestal Growth (LHPG) method, and a thin layer of bismuth oxide was sintered on the tip of the alumina fiber using a carbon dioxide laser to create a blackbody cavity, as shown in Figure 3 c. Zirconia fiber (60 mm long), sapphire fiber (520 mm long), and silicon dioxide fiber together form the optical waveguide structure.…”

High Temperature Endurable Fiber Optic Accelerometer

“…Over the past three decades, many types of fiber optic accelerometers (FOAs) have been developed because optical fibers (OFs) allow structural health monitoring within highly electromagnetic environments [1].Furthermore, optical fiber with fused silica is useful in a wide temperature range up to about 1000 ∘ C [2] although it depends on the optical fiber material such as fused silica and sapphire (Al 2 O 3 , single crystal alumina) [3,4].…”

“…For instance, for ambient vibration monitoring of a pipe in nuclear power plant structures where hot water after cooling flows through, high temperature resistant and temperature independent materials must be used for sensor fabrication. Except for various kinds of fiber-based temperature sensors, which are able to operate beyond 1000 ∘ C [3,4], and pressure sensors [14] for high temperature environments, there are almost no low frequency FOAs available for use in high temperature environments in civil engineering structures. This is because sensor structure assemblies usually involve numerous materials including silicon, glass with a low softening point, polymer, and epoxy as an adhesive.…”

Surface-mount sapphire interferometric temperature sensor

“…2,3 Operation up to 2300°C has been demonstrated using zirconia single-crystal fiber. 4 In both types, the radiation emitted by the fiber lightpipe itself adds to the target radiation and thus constitutes an error source, leaving the measurement sensitive to environmental temperature changes around the lightpipe. 1,5,6 Therefore in situ calibration is usually required and brings inconvenience to its field application.…”