Single-crystal ruby fiber temperature sensor

Single-crystal ruby fibers with nominal diameters in the range from 80 to 500 mum and lengths up to 170 mm have been produced using the laser heated miniature pedestal growth technique. These fibers were tested for use as the basis of fiber optic temperature sensors. Characterization of the fiber fluorescence properties and comparison to bulk samples together with their high melting point indicate their potential for fluorescence-based sensing at extremely elevated temperatures. Good geometrical matching with current fiber optic technology and the use of phase-locked detection techniques also allow high resolution measurements to be obtained. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.