Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibers (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibers to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibers may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fiber. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibres (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibres to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibres may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fibre. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coupling a first optical transmission means (10,42), such as an optical fibre, embedded within an aircraft composite (12,40) to a second optical transmission means (14), such as an optical fibre, external to the composite (12,40) is described. The method comprises locating the position of the first optical means (10,42) embedded within the composite (12,40) using X-ray scanning for example; forming a passageway (20,62) by laser machining or drilling within the composite (12,40) to the first optical transmission means (10,42); and establishing an optical connection between the first and second optical transmission means (10,42,14) at the intersection of the passageway (20,62) and the first optical transmission means (10,42).

Abstract: A composite for use in the aircraft construction industry includes an optical transmission device, such as an optical fiber, embedded within a carrier. The optical transmission device is provided with a high-quality optical interface surface which provides for optical connection to the optical transmission means from outside the carrier. The optical interface surface is provided as part of a micro-optical component which processes the optical signals to improve light extraction from a supply to the optical transmission means. The buried optical transmission device is accessed by a passageway formed in the carrier to the interface surface. If the passageway is formed prior to completion of finishing processes on the composite, a protective plug is provided to close the passageway until the optical connection is required.

Abstract: A surface-mountable interface module is attached to a central surface portion of a composite structure to interface with an optical transmission means embedded in the composite structure. The module has a mating surface for coupling to the composite structure to define an intersection between the module and the central surface portion, and contains interface optics to manipulate light that, in use, passes between the module and the optical transmission means through the intersection. A ‘smart’ variant of the module contains interrogation means for interrogating a sensor system associated with the optical transmission means, and power means for powering components within the module.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coupling a first optical transmission means (10,42), such as an optical fiber, embedded within an aircraft composite (12,40) to a second optical transmission means (14), such as an optical fiber, external to the composite (12,40) is described. The method comprises locating the position of the first optical means (10,42) embedded within the composite (12,40) using X-ray scanning for example; forming a passageway (20,62) by laser machining or drilling within the composite (12,40) to the first optical transmission means (10,42); and establishing an optical connection between the first and second optical transmission means (10,42,14) at the intersection of the passageway (20,62) and the first optical transmission means (10,42).