Development of a fiber optic current sensor for power systems

Numerous techniques have been developed to sense electric current optically, including several using optical fibers as the sensing element. To date, these methods have failed to overcome the fundamental performance problems of the incorporated bulk optic components as well as the instability of the sensing fiber. A description of an all-fiber optic current sensor is presented. A method for producing highly stable sensing coils and techniques for interfacing these coils with novel polarizing fiber are described. The performance of a fully functional prototype device is discussed. Theoretical limits and preliminary characterization data are presented