Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A device for optically measuring a pressure difference in a medium by means of a Fabry-Perot interferometer, comprises a transparent plate and a diaphragm block connected to the transparent plate, the diaphragm block comprising a substrate, a measuring diaphragm formed along the inner surface of the substrate, and a spacer separating the inner surface of the transparent plate and the inner surface of the substrate. A first planar mirror is disposed on the inner surface of the plate and a second planar mirror is disposed on the inner surface of the measuring diaphragm so that they constitute the Fabry-Perot interferometer. The measuring diaphragm is shiftable by a distance (H) in response to a pressure difference (.delta.p) exerted on inner and outer surfaces of the measuring diaphragm whereby the optical length (L) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer changes as a function of the pressure difference (.delta.p). The substrate includes a depression on one side only so that the material remaining under the depression is of a predetermined thickness and comprises the measuring diaphragm. Since the measuring diaphragm constitutes a portion of the substrate and is a continuation of the crystalline structure of the substrate, there are no mechanical stresses at the joining points of the substrate and the measuring diaphragm. Preferably, the measuring diaphragm constitutes a doped layer of the substrate and serves as an etching barrier for the substrate.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim