Novel Fiber-Optical Refractometric Sensor Employing Hemispherically-Shaped Detection Element
We present the theoretical and experimental data on the performance of the novel fiber-optic refractometric sensor that employs the hemispherical optical detection element. We exploit the sensitivity of internal reflection of light on the element’s spherical surface to the refractive index of the surrounding medium, several internal reflections in series, and the focussing properties of the concave spherical surface to achieve the enhanced sensitivity and reduce the intrinsic optical loss in the sensor. We show that the transmission function of the new sensor can easily be modified in the wide interval of the refractive index of the surrounding medium. This new sensor may find applications in different instruments. Key-Words:Optoelectronics, instrumentation, refractive index measurement, liquid level measurement.
Mathematical Modeling of Optical-Fiber Refractometric Device
We present a ray-tracing application in the modeling of an optical detection element employed as a sensor of refractive index of surrounding fluids or gases. The detection element is a solid glass microstructure having a surface of the second order. We exploit the sensitivity of internal reflection of light on the element’s surface to the refractive index of the surrounding medium, operation near the critical angle of incidence, several internal reflections in series, and the focusing properties of the concave surface. We present the techniques employed in the numerical modeling of the detection element. These techniques permitted to reduce significantly the computing time and memory size necessary for accessing the operational characteristics of the detection element. Key-Words: Mathematical modeling, optical design software, numerical ray tracing, optical instrumentation, refractive index measurement, optoelectronic sensors.
The effect of continuous exposure to low frequency electric fields on three generations of mice: A pilot study
Mice were allowed to mate, gestate, deliver and rear their offspring for 3 successive generations while being continuously exposed to 60 Hz electric fields. Mice exposed to vertical electric fields exhibited decreased body weights at 35 days postpartum and increased mortality, rates for 3 successive generations. Mice exposed to horizontal electric fields exhibited decreased body weights for 2 successive generations.