Abstract: An optical signal transmitter configured to emit wavelength-distinct optical signals along distinct directions to provide a field scanning effect without requiring moving parts to effectuate the scanning. In one implementation, the optical signal transmitter includes a laser source for generating an optical signal including a set of distinct wavelengths, an optical amplifier configured to amplify the optical signal, a wavelength splitter configured to generate a set of optical signals consisting of distinct wavelengths, respectively, and a set of emission ports for emitting the set of optical signals in different directions. In another implementation, the wavelength splitting occurs at the set of emission ports. In yet another implementation, two stages of wavelength splitting are provided. The optical signal transmitter may be implemented in a LIDAR system for ascertaining information concerning objects-of-interests.

Abstract: A fiber-based accelerometer (FAC) detector includes a base; first and second flexures mechanically coupled to the base; first and second masses mechanically coupled to the first and second flexures, respectively; and a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) fiber mechanically coupled to the first and second masses, wherein the first and second flexures and the first and second masses are configured to move in response to a force and/or acceleration acting upon the first and second masses to produce a compression or expansion of the first FBG fiber.

Abstract: An optical-based system for sensing parameters of a structure or machine for monitoring the health of the structure or machine. The optical-based system includes a set of optical fibers, each optical fiber including a set of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for sensing a set of parameters of the object; a set of interrogators configured to generate a set of incident optical signals for transmission via the set of optical fibers, respectively, receive a set of reflected optical signals from each of the optical fibers of the set, and generate a set of data related to sensed parameters of the object based on the set of reflected optical signals; and a controller configured to control the set of interrogators. Via a user interface or a remote computer on a cloud, sensing instructions may be provided to the controller, and sensed data and other information may be received from the controller.

Abstract: Various implementations of an apparatus for sensing one or more parameters are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a sweeping wavelength laser configured to generate a sweeping wavelength optical signal; an optical fiber including a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) structure configured to sense a parameter, wherein the optical fiber is configured to receive the sweeping wavelength optical signal, wherein the FBG structure is configured to produce a reflected optical signal with a particular wavelength in response to the sweeping wavelength optical signal, and wherein the particular wavelength varies as a function of the parameter; a photo detector configured to generate an electrical signal based on the reflected optical signal; a comparator configured to generate a pulse based on a comparison of the electrical signal to a threshold; and a processor configured to generate an indication of the parameter based on the pulse. The comparator may be configured as a Schmitt trigger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically interfacing optical fibers with photo devices. In one implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the reflected optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the refracted optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end.

Abstract: An optical signal distribution system is provided herein useful for multiple service operators (MSOs) in providing content data to subscribers, and receiving control and other data from subscribers. The system facilitates the transmission of content data to the subscribers and the control and other data from subscribers substantially in the optical domain. The system includes a head-end configured to transmit the content data via a forward channel optical signal and receive the control data via a composite reverse channel optical signal. The system also includes a signal distribution hub configured to receive and replicate the forward channel optical signal for transmission to optical taps, receive reverse channel optical signals from the optical taps, generate a composite reverse channel optical signal, and transmit the composite reverse channel optical signal. Each optical tap sends and receives the forward and reverse channel optical signals to and from a plurality of subscribers units.

Abstract: An optical signal distribution system is provided herein useful for multiple service operators (MSOs) in providing content data to subscribers, and receiving control and other data from subscribers. The system facilitates the transmission of content data to the subscribers and the control and other data from subscribers substantially in the optical domain. The system includes a head-end configured to transmit the content data via a forward channel optical signal and receive the control data via a composite reverse channel optical signal. The system also includes a signal distribution hub configured to receive and replicate the forward channel optical signal for transmission to optical taps, receive reverse channel optical signals from the optical taps, generate a composite reverse channel optical signal, and transmit the composite reverse channel optical signal. Each optical tap sends and receives the forward and reverse channel optical signals to and from a plurality of subscribers units.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically interfacing optical fibers with photo devices. In one implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the reflected optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the refracted optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end.