A temperature-tolerant, shock and vibration resistant absolute pressure sensor may be constructed by joining a ruggedized lens assembly and optical fiber assembly to create a stable beam of collimated light. The lens may be captured by brazing or welding to high-strength spherical metal components. The light delivery assembly may be comprised of a metal-jacketed optical fiber, ceramic ferrule, and metal alignment sleeves that are mechanically and/or chemically joined to one another using high temperature sealing glass preforms or brazing materials. The optical fiber assembly may be joined to the lens assembly securing the end face of the optical fiber in the operative focal position relative to the lens. The joined assembly results in a structure where no parts are subject to movement even at extreme temperatures or when subjected to severe shock and vibration. All the air-to-glass interfaces may have anti-reflection coatings to reduce optical losses, back reflection, and false signals. This rugged collimated beam assembly may be joined to a sensor assembly comprised of a diaphragm and window which comprise a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The external wetted surfaces of the diaphragm may be coated to reflect the radiant energy or with passive conductive and convective arrangements to keep the sensor cool and to minimize the long-term change in sensitivity of the diaphragm due to oxidation. The resulting sensors can be further enhanced by attaching the sensor to an absolute, hermetically sealed connector comprised of a lens assembly which is aligned and welded to the sensor transducer body. The resulting sensors can be further enhanced with windows for collecting UV energy and may use wide spectral band optical fibers to multiplex UV, visible, and IR energy from the sensing environment. These enhancements can be used to detect the presence of a flame and to make temperature measurements resulting in safety-certified optical sensors for use in many harsh industrial applications.