Abstract: A method of coupling at least a pair of optical fibers together assures predictable coupling ratios and structural integrity. First, the fibers are prepared by coating or dispersing a material (e.g., a metal oxide) on or in them to control the surface tension of their exposed surfaces so that fusion occurs within predictable, extended periods of time. Next, the fibers are twisted together to assume a mutually helical relationship and to apply a small tensional stress on them and they are placed in an inert gas maintained at a predetermined pressure. A coaxially disposed tungsten coil heats them and fuses the twisted, stretched fibers together to effect a desired coupling. Stretching the twisted fibers as they are being fused together creates uniform tapered sections which are needed to induce proper coupling. The rate of heating and fusing, the inert gas and its pressure, and the force exerted during stretching are all factors determinative of the degree of coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing motion relies upon the total light traitted by an optical fiber. The fiber is wound in a spiral coil and cemented to a rigid base and a portion of the fiber's cladding is removed exposing its core. A highly refractive plate is placed closely adjacent the exposed core. When the plate is displaced, it intercepts at least a portion of the evanescent field that is adjacent to the spiral core. The intercepted portion reduces the total amount of light otherwise projected through the coiled optic fiber so that a detector can provide representations of the amplitude and frequency of the plate motion. The plate only penetrates the fiber's evanescent optical field which is associated with the total internal reflection at the glass-to-air interface at the fiber's surface. Adjusting devices and pressure compensation optionally are employed making this device suitable for use has a hydrophone.

Abstract: In an optical data bus system, a fail-safe optical repeater-amplifier assly is provided by light energy amplifying means connected in the data bus for developing gain of signal strength for light signals transmitted along the data bus in a known direction. The light energy amplifying means is connected in parallel with a passive, non-amplifying light path, the light path having an optical length for impressing a delay on light signals passing therethrough which is substantially equal to the optical delay imposed by transmission through the light energy amplifying means.

Abstract: An electronically controllable, wide angle of view, notch filter operates attenuate predeterminable narrow bandwidth wavelengths of light energy. An enclosure contains a selected material characterized by exhibiting strong quantum mechanical coupling between two determinable energy states of different levels above its ground energy state and also producing radiated emission within the desired narrow bandwidth wavelengths when externally excited to populate the upper of the two determinable energy states. Transparent windows at opposite ends complete the enclosure which is maintained at a desired temperature to vaporize the selected material.

Abstract: Single filament fiber optic cables are aligned within a connector to prov low-loss light transmittance from one to the other. Since it is virtually impossible to drill holes in a connector as small as the five thousandths of an inch typical diameter of a single filament fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable ends are bonded within a section of micro-tubing, of the stainless steel type used for the micro syringe portion of a hyperdermic needle. The single filament fiber optic cable ends thus bonded within the micro-tubing, are received within terminal members of a selected metal material having internal bores which are readily drilled by conventional means to receive the micro-tubing having the ends of the fiber optic cables bonded therein. This assembly is made by force fit and each such assembled terminal of the single filament fiber optic cable is optically ground and polished at its end.

Abstract: A high intensity source produces light energy output principally in the 3A to 4300A spectral region. An envelope of material substantially transparent to light energy within the desired spectral region is sealed to contain xenon gas in an amount sufficient to produce at least one atmosphere of pressure in its unheated state and also mercury in an amount sufficient to develop a vapor pressure of not less than one atmosphere when the envelope is heated to an operative temperature. Electrically conductive electrodes communicate with the interior of the sealed envelope forming a gap therebetween which becomes a conductive arc upon connection of external terminals of the electrodes to a source of pulsed electrical power. The sealed envelope and its contents are maintained at an operative temperature of the order of not less than approximately 500.degree. C, ensuring the vapor pressures required to produce the high intensity output within the desired spectral region.

Abstract: An improved metal vapor laser tube is comprised of an enclosure, preferably n an elongate tubular form, containing an amount of a metallic element. The material of the enclosure is selecteed to be electrically non-conductive and also for its ability to withstand elevated temperatures of the order of 1000.degree. C. The enclosure has at least one window capable of transmitting energy at the wavelength of emission of the metallic element contained within it. Two electrodes, preferably in the form of cylinders, are disposed at opposite ends within the enclosure in coaxial alignment with the major axis of the enclosure. An extension from the major axis of the enclosure is disposed proximate to each electrode and an electrical conductor connected to each electrode is sealed within substantially the entire length of each extension. Each electrical conductor is characterized as being of a strip configuration and having a substantially elongate elliptical cross-section.