Abstract: An optical coupler is used to transmit optical data across a temporary connection. A housing is configured with a transparent interface window and positioned in front of a receiving optical coupler so that optical signals pass through the transparent interface window for reception by receiving optical coupler. The receiving optical coupler has a capability of accepting alignment errors caused by aligning the housing with a mating housing in an aquatic environment. Alignment is achieved via an alignment mechanism that mechanical positions the mating optical coupling components with sufficient alignment accuracy to permit the optical coupler to receive and transmit signals.

Abstract: An optical coupler is used to transmit optical data across a temporary connection. A housing is configured with a transparent interface window and positioned in front of a receiving optical coupler so that optical signals pass through the transparent interface window for reception by receiving optical coupler. The receiving optical coupler has a capability of accepting alignment errors caused by aligning the housing with a mating housing in an aquatic environment. Alignment is achieved via an alignment mechanism that mechanical positions the mating optical coupling components with sufficient alignment accuracy to permit the optical coupler to receive and transmit signals.

Abstract: A submarine launched expendable radio navigation system (SSXRN) buoy method and apparatus. According to one embodiment, a method for determining a submarine geographic position using a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed. The method comprising launching a radio navigation-enabled buoy and recording a launch time and DRNS submarine position. The method further comprises recording a buoy breach time and searching for radio navigation RF signals. Then, recording a radio navigation position acquisition time and an initial radio navigation position. Further, recording a subsequent radio navigation position data and a subsequent time. Moreover, determining a DRNS correction factor using a DRNS position error, a buoy drift, radio navigation position data and DRNS position data. In addition, estimating the submarine geographic position using the DRNS correction factor and a DRNS geographic position. In another embodiment, a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed.

Abstract: A photo-lithographic mask includes a flexible, optically transparent body having an optically transmissive first surface for receiving an optical signal, and a second surface opposite the first surface having grooves for internally reflecting first portions of the optical signal and for allowing second portions of the optical signal to be transmitted through the second surface when the second surface is pressed against a wafer. The body consists essentially of silicone. The grooves have a saw tooth profile that are configured at an angle that exceeds the critical angle of the silicone with respect to the direction of the incoming optical signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber reinforced optical microcable comprised of a buffered optical waveguide coated with a fiber reinforced protective sheath formed of an ultraviolet light cured resin. The microcable is manufactured by soaking reinforcing fibers in the UV curable resin, placing the wetted fibers around the buffered optical waveguide, squeezing the fibers and buffered optical waveguide through a die, and then curing the resin with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for fabricating a fiber optic microcable mposed of materials having properties which facilitate its manufacture. The microcable is comprised of an optical fiber core, a buffer surrounding the core, and a protective sheath surrounding the buffer consisting of an electromagnetic radiation cured resin impregnated with fibers suspended in the resin to enhance the resistance of the microcable to physical damage. The microcable is fabricated by soaking the fibers in an electromagnetic radiation curable resin, placing the wetted fibers around the core and buffer to form a matrix, and then irradiating the matrix with electromagnetic radiation to cure the resin.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fiber optic cable splice comprises the steps of: ) positioning a malleable tube around a first fiber optic cable having a first optical fiber; 2) fusing the first optical fiber to a second optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable to form a fused region; and 3) crimping the malleable tube to the first and second fiber optic cables. The malleable tube may bent into an arc to facilitate payout of the splice through a payout guide. A heat shrinkable tube may be formed around the malleable tube and first and second cables to provide a dustproof seal around the splice.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber reinforced optical microcable comprised of a buffered optical waveguide coated with a fiber reinforced protective sheath made of a fiber reinforced, ultraviolet light cured resin over which is formed an ultraviolet light cured resin overcoat. The protective sheath is manufactured by soaking reinforcing fibers in the UV curable resin, placing the wetted fibers around the buffered optical waveguide, feeding both the fibers and buffered optical waveguide through a die, and curing the resin with ultraviolet light. Then, an ultraviolet light cured resin is flow coated over the protective sheath and cured with ultraviolet light to complete the microcable.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber optic microcable having a uniform cross seonal dimension which may be manufactured in continuous lengths that exceed 10 kilometers. The microcable is comprised of an optical fiber core, a buffer surrounding the core, and a protective sheath surrounding the buffer consisting of an electromagnetic radiation cured resin impregnated with fibers suspended in the resin to enhance the resistance of the microcable to physical damage. The microcable is fabricated by soaking the fibers in an electromagnetic radiation curable resin, placing the wetted fibers around the core and buffer to form a matrix, and then irradiating the matrix with electromagnetic radiation to cure the resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting optical data through a wall separag a first fiber in a first medium from a second fiber in a higher pressure medium assures optical information transfer. A bore is provided in the wall having an inwardly extending annularly rim. A cylindrically-shaped optical glass plug is sized to fit within the bore and configured to abut the annular rim and a hard solder seal, a ceramic seal or a fused frit is disposed between the bore and the glass plug to hermetically seal one side of the wall from the other. A quarter-pitch graded-index of refraction rod lens contacts opposite sides of the optical glass plug and the first and second optical fiber are held in an aligned relationship with the rod lenses and glass plug to assure bidirectional transmission of optical data. The apparatus and method assure reliable optical transmission with long term stabilities in high pressure differentials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided wherein a television signal being traitted may be modified by multiplexing in a digital information-bearing signal in a manner that binary pulses are encoded upon horizontal synchronizing pulse windows contained within the composite video signal. The apparatus comprises two primary subsystems, an encoder and a decoder. The encoder is further composed of four components (1) a horizontal synchronous pulse detector, (2) a pulse position modulator, (3) a digital signal conditioner, and (4) a mixer. The decoder consists of three components: (1) a horizontal synchronizing detector, (2) a pulse position demodulator, and (3) a digital signal conditioner. Functionally, the video/digital data multiplexer is a pulse position (PPM) digital communication system which utilizes the leading edge of the horizontal synchronizing pulses of a composite video signal as a marker denoting the location where a pulse will be inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an optically aligned connector for at le one optical fiber. A connector plate is machined with one flat surface which is placed in an abutting relationship on an optically flat mirror surface. A quarter pitch graded refractive index lens is inserted in a hole through the connector plate and bonded in place. The hole through the connector need not be precision bored nor is the fit between the lens and hole critical since the optical alignment is not dependent on these fittings but rather depends upon the abutting relationship of the flat abutting surface and the surface of the mirror. An optically excited fiber is brought to the close proximity of the lens and suitably micropositioned to a location where a maximum light intensity is monitored by a detector optically coupled to the excited fiber. When the fiber is positioned so that a maximum reflected intensity is monitored it is secured in place by, for example, a UV cureable adhesive.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optically aligned coupling between an optical fiber and a connector having a precision-bored bushing guarantees proper light beam collimation. Graded refractive index rod lenses are coupled to the optical fiber by an installation procedure having a readily-reproducible measurement standard. Calibrating an alignment fixture calls for the inserting of a fused quartz right cylinder having a diameter to allow a snug fitting in the precision-bored bushing. The cylinder has an integral axially exposed mirrored face for reflecting the beam to create a calibration autocollimation with a beam from a laser projected through and in parallel with the axis of the precision-bored bushing. Disposing a mirror surface separated from and perpendicular to the axis of the precision-bored bushing allows the reflection of the projected beam back over its own path to result in autocollimation of the projected and reflected beams.

Abstract: An improvement for a semiconductor laser allows the facet reflectivity to be modified to compensate for the presence of a liquid or transparent solid medium having an index of refraction n.sub.m. A first dielectric coating is disposed on an end-facet of the semiconductor laser and has an index of refraction n.sub.1. A second dielectric coating is disposed on the first dielectric coating and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The materials of the dielectric coatings are selected such that the fraction n.sub.1 /n.sub.2 =.sqroot.n.sub.m. Thus the problems associated with reductions of laser facet reflectivity due to being in contact with a surrounding medium which optically is very different from air is overcome.

Abstract: A high pressure penetrator for use with fiber optic cables is fabricated by method which assures reliable operation. The method of fabrication first calls for providing a bore through the pressure wall of a container of instrumentation. Applying wax to one end of a cylindrically-shaped lens prepares it for alignment in the bore. A suitable lens is the one-half pitch graded refractive index lens of the type marketed under the trademark, SELFOC. The cylindrically-shaped lens is inserted into the bore to locate its far end flush with one side of the wall and so that the wax applied end of the lens lies within the bore at the wall's opposite side. Melting the wax allows it to flow around the tip of the wax applied end of the lens and a subsequent cooling of the melted wax precisely fixes the cylindrically-shaped lens into position within the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transmitting and receiving information underwa assure improved performance characteristics. Modulating a carrier and appropriately filtering it allows the transmission of only single sideband signals or a carrier along with single sideband signals to increase the range at reduced power consumption levels. Demodulating incoming signals can be done synchronously (when the carrier is present) or asynchronously (only single sideband signals) to extract the information. When a number of carriers are modulated and, simultaneously, are transmitted and received, the system's reliability is enhanced.

Abstract: A fiber optic system utilizing pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) for transmission of video information signals substantially enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the transmitted video signals. FM processing gain is realized together with system noise reduction which results from operation of the fiber optic components in a pulsed mode. The amplitude of a video signal modulates the repetition frequency of a stream of narrow light pulses emitted by a laser diode. The pulses are transmitted through a low loss, wideband optical fiber to an avalanche photodiode biased at an optimum gain point. Further improvement is possible when preemphasis processing of the video signal is performed prior to transmission.

Abstract: An apparatus allows the testing of differently diametered optical fibers having different numerical apertures to determine their optical properties. A system of lenses and optically cooperating components permits the precise regulation of a light spot size and the adjustment of a particular numerical aperture so that equilibrium conditions at the launch end of a test fiber is created. Adjustments allow an observed variance of the spot size and numerical aperture so that the apparatus can accommodate differently sized test optic fibers.

Abstract: A noise dosimeter permanently records ambient noise levels over a period of ime on photographic film to provide an indication proportional to the overall sound exposure level. Impinging acoustic energy is converted to representative potentials which are transformed into representative currents. These currents drive at least one light emitting diode which irradiates an area on an unexposed photographic film. The net degree of exposure over a period of time is read out or interpreted by a densitometer. The reading, proportional to sound exposure level, provides a record from which engineers, technicians, etc. can take the proper remedial action to avoid otherwise hazardous or detectable noise levels.