Abstract
We demonstrate a novel chalcogenide glass (ChG)-capped optical fiber temperature sensor capable of operating within harsh environment. The sensor architecture utilizes the heat-induced phase change (amorphous-to-crystalline) property of ChGs, which rapidly (80–100 ns) changes the optical properties of the material. The sensor response to temperature variation around the phase change of the ChG cap at the tip of the fiber provides abrupt changes in the reflected power intensity. This temperature is indicative of the temperature at the sensing node. We present the sensing performance of six different compositions of ChGs and a method to interpret the temperature profile between 440 °C and 600 °C in real-time using an array structure. The unique radiation-hardness property of ChGs makes the devices compatible with high-temperature and high-radiation environments, such as monitoring the cladding temperature of Light Water (LWR) or Sodium-cooled Fast (SFR) reactors.
Highlights
Generation IV nuclear power plants operate at high temperatures to achieve higher efficiency [1,2,3]
As the proposed sensor works on the principle of the phase change of chalcogenide glass (ChG) material, which is highly temperature dependent, abrupt changes in the reflected power are observed, as expected
This figure manifests a big growth of the absolute slop of the reflected power between the To and Tc due to the large structural reorganization occurring in a solid state from the moment of the occurrence of the first crystallizes at the onset of crystallization To up to the full crystallization of the material at Tc
Summary
Generation IV nuclear power plants operate at high temperatures to achieve higher efficiency [1,2,3]. During the research and development stages of new reactor materials, structural components, and fuels, it is imperative to study their performance under specific test conditions before commissioning these materials or components Such testing procedures require real-time temperature monitoring with high precision. The sensor performance is affected by oxidation and the temperature readings drift significantly under long-duration exposure to high temperature and radiation [6,7]. This often necessitates sensor recalibration due to transmutation from absorption of neutrons [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
