High-temperature fiber optic sensors for harsh environment applications

Luna Innovations is developing a high temperature sensor suite based on novel metal oxide transducers and patented fiber optic sensor technology. This suite will include pressure, temperature, acceleration, and skin friction sensors. Luna has demonstrated prototype ceramic fiber optic pressure sensors with a range of 2000 psig and +/- 0.1 psig absolute accuracy and 0.01 psig dynamic resolution. By applying advanced materials and packaging technologies, designs that will support pressure measurements up to 1400°C have been produced. Fiber optic temperature sensors have been tested up to 1100°C. A ceramic accelerometer has also been developed that will enable high-temperature vibration measurements. A shear stress sensor is in the early stages of development that is expected to reach 850°C. The high temperature sensor suite will provide previously unobtainable measurements in advanced air-breathing propulsion systems, as well as in high-temperature industrial applications.