Multiplexed fiber optic liquid crystalline system for pressure monitoring

The paper presents results of initial tests performed on a multiplexed fiber optic system of liquid crystalline transducers for hydrostatic pressure monitoring. The system employs pressure-induced deformations occurring in crystalline cells configured in a twisted nematics geometry based on polarization effects occurring in the Mauguin limit. The pressure transducers were connected to a computer with a specially designed interface built on the base of advanced ADAM modules (Advantech Co. Ltd.). Results indicate that the system offers high response to pressure with reduced temperature sensitivity and, can be adjusted for monitoring of low hydrostatic pressures up to 4 MPa.