Lim, Geunsik | Search NASA

DOE OSTI2024

Single Crystal Optical Fiber and Perovskite Oxide Sensing Materials for Gas Monitoring above 500 °C

A wide range of high-value applications, including power generation and chemical manufacturing, involve harsh chemical conditions and extreme temperatures. In this work, we discuss the pairing of single crystal optical fiber with optically responsive, high-temperature stable perovskite oxide materials for monitoring of oxidizing and reduction gas streams up to 1000 °C. Optical sensing will be presented for hydrogen and oxygen monitoring in this temperature regime. Strategies will be discussed for improving stability and eliminating drift via multi-wavelength detection. The application of spatially resolved interrogation techniques, such as optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) will be addressed for these sensors.

Wuenschell, Jeffrey↗

DOE OSTI2024

Fiber-Based Distributed Hydrogen Measurement at High Temperatures

In this work, we discuss the implementation of evanescent field optical fiber sensors for distributed gas sensing of H2, focusing on results using a Ni / Gd-doped CeO2 nanocomposite sensing material for detection of low levels of H2 (0-4%) at 700 °C. This approach utilizes sensors prepared using a low-cost, wet chemical deposition process, in conjunction with a custom-built interrogator system leveraging optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). Using a specially designed dual-gas flow reactor system, the sensor is tested by establishing a controlled equilibrium gradient of gas concentration. Initial results are shown using silica fiber, but provides a pathway for utilization with high temperature stable single crystal optical fiber for operation at higher temperatures and higher levels of H2 relevant for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating conditions.

Wuenschell, Jeffrey↗

DOE OSTI2024

Dopant Segregation in Single-Crystal Optical Fiber Grown via the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

Single crystal (SC) optical fiber has promising potential to be used for optical fiber sensing applications in harsh conditions due to its robustness to high temperature, high radioactivity, and resistance to chemical corrosion as compared to optical sensors using silica fiber. However, SC fiber grown via the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique innately does not have a core-cladding structure found in standard optical fiber, resulting in optical losses. In this work we investigate optimization of the growth parameters of a two LHPG process used to grow SC fiber with a graded index via introduction of dopants to the feedstock material. Feedstock material is fabricated with the first LHPG device, then sol-gel dip-coated to create outer films of dopant material. The dip-coated feedstock is used to grow SC fiber in which segregation of the dopant constituents occurs, resulting in a graded index of refraction across the fiber, and an effective core-cladding structure. Hardware and software improvements to both LHPG systems are presented and the growth parameters for short pieces of ~320-330 μm diameter YAG fiber has been established. Characterization techniques/procedures have also been established for future grown SC fiber. These improvements and preparations are anticipated to result in a significant increase in grown fiber quality with a similar growth rate to that previously established.

Lander, Gary↗

DOE OSTI2024

Dopant Segregation in Single-Crystal Optical Fiber Grown via the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

Single crystal (SC) optical fiber has promising potential to be used for optical fiber sensing applications in harsh conditions due to its robustness to high temperature, high radioactivity, and resistance to chemical corrosion as compared to optical sensors using silica fiber. However, SC fiber grown via the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique innately does not have a core-cladding structure found in standard optical fiber, resulting in optical losses. In this work we investigate optimization of the growth parameters of a two LHPG process used to grow SC fiber with a graded index via introduction of dopants to the feedstock material. Feedstock material is fabricated with the first LHPG device, then sol-gel dip-coated to create outer films of dopant material. The dip-coated feedstock is used to grow SC fiber in which segregation of the dopant constituents occurs, resulting in a graded index of refraction across the fiber, and an effective core-cladding structure. Hardware and software improvements to both LHPG systems are presented and the growth parameters for short pieces of ~320-330 μm diameter YAG fiber has been established. Characterization techniques/procedures have also been established for future grown SC fiber. These improvements and preparations are anticipated to result in a significant increase in grown fiber quality with a similar growth rate to that previously established.

Lander, Gary↗