Effects Of The Polarizer Parameters Upon The Performance Of An Optical Current Sensor

In this paper the latest progress and existing problems in the field of Optical Current Sensors are reviewed and analyzed, respectively. Effects of the imperfection of the polarizer and the bias angle error of it on the performance of Bulk-Material Optical Current Sensors (BMOCS) are reported. BMOCS is based on the Faraday Effect. Among so many factors that affect the performance of BMOCS, the imperfection of the polarizer and the bias angle error are two important factors. This paper focuses on the effects of the imperfection of the polarizer and the bias angle error on the performance of BMOCS by means of theoretical study, computer simulation and experimental investigation. The results show that: both of the two factors do not change the linear relationship of output vs. input, they only induce DC components in output, which can be ignored in AC measurement. And the change of the slop of the curve induced by the imperfection of the polarizer is so small that can be ignored. But the change of the slop of the curve induced by the bias angle error of the polarizer depends on the sign of the error.