Opto-mechanical Pressure Sensor for Turbopropulsion Instrumentation

Prime Research, LC proposes a novel fiber optic sensor for measuring pressure in gas turbine engines at temperatures up to 2900°F.. The micro-fabricated monolithic transducer capitalizes on a highly sensitive mechanical resonance transduction technique. These optically interrogated sensors will output an inherently digital signal which is immune to EMI and electronics drift. Monolithic construction of these transducers from high-temperature ceramics and optical interrogation using single-crystal sapphire fiber will result in an accurate and robust transducer for harsh environments. Successful development of this technology will enable new measurements in turbine engine hot sections, hypersonic flows, combustion processes, and other extreme environments where pressure measurements are currently not possible.