Decoding bubble acoustic emissions in multiphase flows using reconfigurable optical hydrophone

Sound, beyond its harmony or noise, serves as a valuable carrier of information with significant scientific and industrial applications. The acoustics of boiling, for example, provide insights into phase-change dynamics and can help predict potential failures. However, high-temperature and corrosive environments pose challenges for conventional hydrophones. This study introduces an advanced optical fiber hydrophone with a cavity interferometer and metal diaphragm, capable of detecting individual bubbles across various temperatures. Being compact, robust, and immune to electromagnetic interference, this device can be relatively easily integrated into complex industrial systems with reconfigurable sensitivity. Its application enhances the understanding of boiling phenomena and may be able to address challenges across a variety of industrial and technological sectors. By improving acoustic sensing under extreme conditions, this innovation has the potential to contribute to operational safety and the prevention of failures, reducing economic and environmental risks.