The design and testing of a gas cooled probe protector shell is described. Standard optical probes are limited to relatively low temperature and mild environmental conditions. By enclosing such probes in concentric air- cooled stainless steel tubes with a brazed sapphire window at the end, their operating limits can be greatly extended. Gas cooling eliminates the facility requirements and leak hazards of water-cooled probes. Low gas flow rates have been demonstrated to maintain a probe at less than 100 degree(s)C in a 600 degree(s)C quiescent environment.

Date Published: 8 December 1999
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 3852, Harsh Environment Sensors II, (8 December 1999); doi: 10.1117/12.372832

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3852:
Harsh Environment Sensors II
Anbo Wang, Editor(s)