Sensor for detecting the contact location of a gas-liquid interface on a solid body

摘要

A sensor system for determining the position of a gas-liquid interface on a surface includes a light source and photo detectors spaced along the surface and capable of detecting reflections from the light source. The photo detectors are joined to a processor which determines if the detectors have received a reflection when the gas phase of the gas-liquid interface contacts the surface. An optical guide can be provided having the light source and detectors positioned therein. The guide is positioned in the region of the gas-liquid interface. The guide can utilize total internal reflection to distribute light to the detectors where light strikes a gas-guide interface whereas light striking a liquid-guide interface is refracted through the interface.