Core Technology
TBD
Key Features
- Works with non-quadrature samples: The method estimates phase using the spectrometer’s natural sample spacing (non-quadrature).
- Absolute + high resolution from the same spectrum: The approach uses one fringe spectrum to get both (a) coarse absolute information (fringe number/quadrant) and (b) fine relative phase, then merges them for a precise absolute measurement.
- Calibration and iteration support: The patent describes calibration of wavelength-dependent terms and the option to iterate to refine estimates as the absolute value improves.
- Designed for in situ sensing: The patent explicitly lists target parameters including salinity, pressure, density, temperature, strain, vibration, distance, and refractive index and describes ocean operation from shallow water to deep ocean (with some embodiments to full ocean depth).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Measured value |
|---|---|
| Absolute path-length resolution | 1/1,000 to 1/100,000 of a wavelength |
| Number of wavelengths/channels | 3 to 4096 wavelengths (spectral samples) |
| Light source | ~20 mW superluminescent diode, ~1061 nm center, ~33 nm FWHM |
| Acquisition rate | Up to ~1 kHz prototype readout |
| Sample path length | ≤5 mm; some embodiments ~1 mm |
| Operating depth | At least 1 m to 6,000 m; some embodiments to full ocean depth |
Applications
Applications could span ocean and terrestrial settings, including:
- CTD-style profilers
- Moorings
- Gliders and AUVs
- Subsea observatories (including deep deployments)
- Inline industrial process monitoring (chemical and materials production)
- Food and beverage concentration/quality checks
- Water and wastewater monitoring
- Precision displacement/strain/vibration sensing in laboratory and industrial test systems
Development Status
TRL 7
Performance includes detection of density changes as small as 0.00007 kg/m³ at sampling frequencies up to 500 Hz, and the sensor has been demonstrated in a sea trial near Monterey Bay, California, reaching depths of approximately 1020 m.
