Patent
US 10,945,078FIBER LASER MICROPHONES WITH GRAPHENE DIAPHRAGMS
Shaolin Liao
UChicago Argonne, LLC·US
Copyright © 2026 Matter42. All rights reserved.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,945,078Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic sensing assembly including an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0011]
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the acoustic sensor of
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for remotely sensing of acoustic signals using an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0013]
FIG. 4 are simulated transmission and reflection spectra of a distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) laser having a centered wavelength of 1547.37. [0014]
FIG. 5 is a plot of lasing point of the simulated DFB laser for a 500 mWatt 980 nm pump power. [0015]
FIG. 6 is a typical lasing spectrum for a DFB laser when it is pumped by a 133 mWatt 980 nm laser. [0016]
FIG. 7 is a plot of a 1,550 nm lasing powers of the DFB fiber laser for different 980 nm pump powers. [0017]
FIG. 8. [0022] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically …
FIG. 9 is a spectrogram of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 10 are plots of acoustic power and signal to noise ratio (SN R) measured by the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 11 is a plot of a time series acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 12 is a plot showing acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
An acoustic sensor, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule, an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip at a longitudinal end of the optical fiber, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head, the fiber laser comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km. Currently amended
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance. Previously presented
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range from 1,530 to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the excitation optical signal has a wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) fiber laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
An acoustic sensing assembly, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; a fiber laser optically coupled at a first end thereof to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal; a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km coupled to a second end of the fiber laser opposite the first end; a signal generator configured to generate the excitation optical signal; and an intensity detector configured to detect the response optical signal and determine the acoustic signal therefrom, wherein the feedback optical signal has sufficient power for being detectable the intensity detector after travelling through the fiber optic communication cable. Currently amended
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range of 1,530 nm to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the excitation optical signal has wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, further comprising a wavelength- division multiplexer coupled to each of the signal generator and the intensity detector. Original
Canceled
A method, comprising; transmitting an excitation optical signal to a fiber laser of an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings having a gap therebetween, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to the excitation optical signal; detecting a feedback optical signal reflected from the graphene diaphragm, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 k m; determining optical parameters of the feedback optical signal; and determining acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal from the optical parameters. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
acoustic sensor
acoustic sensing assembly
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene diaphragm
optical fiber
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
acoustic sensitivity | 10 pPa/Hz^(1/2) | graphene diaphragm |
graphene diaphragm thickness | 0.15–150 nm |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,945,078Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic sensing assembly including an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0011]
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the acoustic sensor of
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for remotely sensing of acoustic signals using an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0013]
FIG. 4 are simulated transmission and reflection spectra of a distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) laser having a centered wavelength of 1547.37. [0014]
FIG. 5 is a plot of lasing point of the simulated DFB laser for a 500 mWatt 980 nm pump power. [0015]
FIG. 6 is a typical lasing spectrum for a DFB laser when it is pumped by a 133 mWatt 980 nm laser. [0016]
FIG. 7 is a plot of a 1,550 nm lasing powers of the DFB fiber laser for different 980 nm pump powers. [0017]
FIG. 8. [0022] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically …
FIG. 9 is a spectrogram of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 10 are plots of acoustic power and signal to noise ratio (SN R) measured by the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 11 is a plot of a time series acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 12 is a plot showing acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
An acoustic sensor, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule, an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip at a longitudinal end of the optical fiber, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head, the fiber laser comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km. Currently amended
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance. Previously presented
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range from 1,530 to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the excitation optical signal has a wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) fiber laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
An acoustic sensing assembly, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; a fiber laser optically coupled at a first end thereof to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal; a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km coupled to a second end of the fiber laser opposite the first end; a signal generator configured to generate the excitation optical signal; and an intensity detector configured to detect the response optical signal and determine the acoustic signal therefrom, wherein the feedback optical signal has sufficient power for being detectable the intensity detector after travelling through the fiber optic communication cable. Currently amended
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range of 1,530 nm to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the excitation optical signal has wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, further comprising a wavelength- division multiplexer coupled to each of the signal generator and the intensity detector. Original
Canceled
A method, comprising; transmitting an excitation optical signal to a fiber laser of an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings having a gap therebetween, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to the excitation optical signal; detecting a feedback optical signal reflected from the graphene diaphragm, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 k m; determining optical parameters of the feedback optical signal; and determining acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal from the optical parameters. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
acoustic sensor
acoustic sensing assembly
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene diaphragm
optical fiber
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
acoustic sensitivity | 10 pPa/Hz^(1/2) | graphene diaphragm |
graphene diaphragm thickness | 0.15–150 nm |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,945,078Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic sensing assembly including an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0011]
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the acoustic sensor of
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for remotely sensing of acoustic signals using an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0013]
FIG. 4 are simulated transmission and reflection spectra of a distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) laser having a centered wavelength of 1547.37. [0014]
FIG. 5 is a plot of lasing point of the simulated DFB laser for a 500 mWatt 980 nm pump power. [0015]
FIG. 6 is a typical lasing spectrum for a DFB laser when it is pumped by a 133 mWatt 980 nm laser. [0016]
FIG. 7 is a plot of a 1,550 nm lasing powers of the DFB fiber laser for different 980 nm pump powers. [0017]
FIG. 8. [0022] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically …
FIG. 9 is a spectrogram of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 10 are plots of acoustic power and signal to noise ratio (SN R) measured by the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 11 is a plot of a time series acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 12 is a plot showing acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
An acoustic sensor, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule, an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip at a longitudinal end of the optical fiber, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head, the fiber laser comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km. Currently amended
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance. Previously presented
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range from 1,530 to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the excitation optical signal has a wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) fiber laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
An acoustic sensing assembly, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; a fiber laser optically coupled at a first end thereof to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal; a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km coupled to a second end of the fiber laser opposite the first end; a signal generator configured to generate the excitation optical signal; and an intensity detector configured to detect the response optical signal and determine the acoustic signal therefrom, wherein the feedback optical signal has sufficient power for being detectable the intensity detector after travelling through the fiber optic communication cable. Currently amended
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range of 1,530 nm to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the excitation optical signal has wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, further comprising a wavelength- division multiplexer coupled to each of the signal generator and the intensity detector. Original
Canceled
A method, comprising; transmitting an excitation optical signal to a fiber laser of an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings having a gap therebetween, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to the excitation optical signal; detecting a feedback optical signal reflected from the graphene diaphragm, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 k m; determining optical parameters of the feedback optical signal; and determining acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal from the optical parameters. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
acoustic sensor
acoustic sensing assembly
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene diaphragm
optical fiber
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
acoustic sensitivity | 10 pPa/Hz^(1/2) | graphene diaphragm |
graphene diaphragm thickness | 0.15–150 nm |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,945,078Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic sensing assembly including an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0011]
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the acoustic sensor of
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for remotely sensing of acoustic signals using an acoustic sensor, according to an embodiment. [0013]
FIG. 4 are simulated transmission and reflection spectra of a distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) laser having a centered wavelength of 1547.37. [0014]
FIG. 5 is a plot of lasing point of the simulated DFB laser for a 500 mWatt 980 nm pump power. [0015]
FIG. 6 is a typical lasing spectrum for a DFB laser when it is pumped by a 133 mWatt 980 nm laser. [0016]
FIG. 7 is a plot of a 1,550 nm lasing powers of the DFB fiber laser for different 980 nm pump powers. [0017]
FIG. 8. [0022] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically …
FIG. 9 is a spectrogram of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 10 are plots of acoustic power and signal to noise ratio (SN R) measured by the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 11 is a plot of a time series acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
FIG. 12 is a plot showing acoustic response of the acoustic sensing assembly of
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
An acoustic sensor, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule, an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip at a longitudinal end of the optical fiber, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head, the fiber laser comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km. Currently amended
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance. Previously presented
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range from 1,530 to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the excitation optical signal has a wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) fiber laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
An acoustic sensing assembly, comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on and contacting the end face of the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path defined by the optical fiber by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; a fiber laser optically coupled at a first end thereof to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings such that a gap is present between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to an excitation optical signal, the sensing optical signal impinging on the graphene diaphragm such that a feedback optical signal is reflected from the graphene diaphragm towards the fiber laser, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal; a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 km coupled to a second end of the fiber laser opposite the first end; a signal generator configured to generate the excitation optical signal; and an intensity detector configured to detect the response optical signal and determine the acoustic signal therefrom, wherein the feedback optical signal has sufficient power for being detectable the intensity detector after travelling through the fiber optic communication cable. Currently amended
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensing optical signal has a wavelength in a range of 1,530 nm to 1,565 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the excitation optical signal has wavelength of about 980 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
The acoustic sensing assembly of claim 9, further comprising a wavelength- division multiplexer coupled to each of the signal generator and the intensity detector. Original
Canceled
A method, comprising; transmitting an excitation optical signal to a fiber laser of an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor comprising: a sensing head, comprising: a ferrule; an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, the optical fiber defining an optical path therethrough, the optical fiber having an optical fiber tip, the optical fiber tip extending beyond an end face of the optical path such that the end face of the optical path is spaced apart from the optical fiber tip by a distance, the optical fiber tip located axially inwards of a longitudinal end of the ferrule, and a graphene diaphragm disposed on the optical fiber tip axially inwards of the longitudinal end of the ferrule such that a portion of the graphene diaphragm is spaced apart from the end face of the optical path by the distance, an outer peripheral edge of the graphene diaphragm being coupled to the ferrule, the graphene diaphragm configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic signal; and a fiber laser optically coupled to the sensing head and comprising a first set of fiber Bragg gratings and a second set of fiber Bragg gratings having a gap therebetween, the fiber laser configured to generate a sensing optical signal having a first intensity in response to the excitation optical signal; detecting a feedback optical signal reflected from the graphene diaphragm, the feedback optical signal having a second intensity due to modulation of the sensing optical signal by the vibration of the graphene diaphragm that corresponds to the acoustic signal, the feedback optical signal having sufficient power for being detectable by an intensity detector after travelling through a fiber optic communication cable having a length in a range of 1 km to 10 k m; determining optical parameters of the feedback optical signal; and determining acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal from the optical parameters. Currently amended
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Original
The method of claim 18, wherein the fiber laser comprises a Distributed Feedback Bragg (DFB) laser, and wherein the gap between the first set and the second set of fiber Bragg gratings is about 265 nm. Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
acoustic sensor
acoustic sensing assembly
Materials described outside the worked examples.
graphene diaphragm
optical fiber
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
acoustic sensitivity | 10 pPa/Hz^(1/2) | graphene diaphragm |
graphene diaphragm thickness | 0.15–150 nm |
graphene diaphragm thickness (particular embodiment) | 105 nm | graphene diaphragm |
optical fiber diameter | 125–250 microns | optical fiber |
sensing optical signal wavelength (C-band) | 1530–1565 nm | — |
excitation optical signal wavelength (pump laser) | 980 nm | — |
Van der Waals force between silica fiber tip and graphene diaphragm | 0.01–1 J/m² | optical fibergraphene diaphragm |
Thickness | 1–10 mm | — |
Thickness | 125–250 µm | — |
Thickness | 0.1–2 mm | — |
Thickness | ≤ 1 mm | — |
graphene diaphragm thickness (particular embodiment) | 105 nm | graphene diaphragm |
optical fiber diameter | 125–250 microns | optical fiber |
sensing optical signal wavelength (C-band) | 1530–1565 nm | — |
excitation optical signal wavelength (pump laser) | 980 nm | — |
Van der Waals force between silica fiber tip and graphene diaphragm | 0.01–1 J/m² | optical fibergraphene diaphragm |
Thickness | 1–10 mm | — |
Thickness | 125–250 µm | — |
Thickness | 0.1–2 mm | — |
Thickness | ≤ 1 mm | — |
graphene diaphragm thickness (particular embodiment) | 105 nm | graphene diaphragm |
optical fiber diameter | 125–250 microns | optical fiber |
sensing optical signal wavelength (C-band) | 1530–1565 nm | — |
excitation optical signal wavelength (pump laser) | 980 nm | — |
Van der Waals force between silica fiber tip and graphene diaphragm | 0.01–1 J/m² | optical fibergraphene diaphragm |
Thickness | 1–10 mm | — |
Thickness | 125–250 µm | — |
Thickness | 0.1–2 mm | — |
Thickness | ≤ 1 mm | — |
graphene diaphragm thickness (particular embodiment) | 105 nm | graphene diaphragm |
optical fiber diameter | 125–250 microns | optical fiber |
sensing optical signal wavelength (C-band) | 1530–1565 nm | — |
excitation optical signal wavelength (pump laser) | 980 nm | — |
Van der Waals force between silica fiber tip and graphene diaphragm | 0.01–1 J/m² | optical fibergraphene diaphragm |
Thickness | 1–10 mm | — |
Thickness | 125–250 µm | — |
Thickness | 0.1–2 mm | — |
Thickness | ≤ 1 mm | — |