Abstract: Multipath structures formed from coherent fiber bundle structures for interconnecting a number of opto-electronic devices in a compact space. The coherent fiber bundle structures are formed from fiber optic plates and have different geometries and fiber orientations in order to transmit optic signal between opto-electronic device in different locations.

Abstract: A method of producing an all glass, non-porous, multi-component photonic band-gap fiber is provided. The fiber is formed by creating a preform having a plurality of low refractive index glass rods and a plurality of high refractive index glass rods arranged in a pre-determined pattern between the low refractive index glass rods. The preform is heated and drawn to form the non-porous photonic band-gap fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical interconnection device whereby arrays of fibers or waveguides arranged in a given orientation at an input side are rearranged in a three-dimensional rearrangement area within the device and exit at an output side arranged in a different orientation from the input side. Distinct arrays are created at the output side via manual or automated placement based on a roadmap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical interconnection device whereby arrays of fibers or wave guides arranged in a given orientation at an input side are rearranged in a three-dimensional rearrangement area within the device and exit at an output side arranged in a different orientation from the input side. Distinct arrays are created at the output side via manual or automated placement based on a roadmap.

Abstract: A fiber optic faceplate for coupling with optical sources or detectors. The optical sources or detectors are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each of the sources or detectors has a pixel area precisely located at a predetermined coordinate. The faceplate includes a plurality of drawn and fused optic fibers. Each of the optic fibers is positioned at a corresponding position to the pixel areas of the optical sources or detectors. Interstitial fillers are located at each interstitial space between optic fibers and have an outside diameter corresponding to the space between the optic fibers to maintain the optic fibers in an aligned position as they are drawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical interconnection device whereby arrays of fibers or waveguides arranged in a given orientation at an input side are rearranged within the device and exit at an output side arranged in a different orientation from the input side. The method of accomplishing the rearrangement is to first arrange a plurality of ribbon fibers each containing a plurality of individual fibers. This arrangement is then fixed or secured at the output side to form a bundle. The output side bundle is then sliced in a different orientation, for example, in a direction orthogonal to each ribbon fiber at the input. As a result of the slicing, distinct arrays are created at the output side. Alternatively, distinct arrays are created at the output side via manual or automated placement based on a roadmap.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon cable includes at least two optical fibers with their centers maintained in spaced relationship by at least one spacer fiber in abutting relationship with and between the optical fibers. The optical fibers and the at least one spacer fiber are maintain together and protected by an encapsulation layer. The optical fibers are made from a material that is relatively insoluble in at least one solution in which the encapsulation layer and the spacer fibers are relatively soluble. The optical fiber cable is connectorized to a multifiber terminal connector by dissolving the encapsulation layer and the spacer fibers along a some length of the ribbon cable, inserting the remaining optical fiber segments into corresponding fiber-receiving channels within the terminal connector and securing the fiber segments within the fiber-receiving channels.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle having an aligned fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers each of which has first and second ends and an axial fiber center. The optical fiber bundle has a first common end proximate to which the optical fibers are secured in place by a first array fixture such that a fiber segment adjacent the first end of each optical fiber protrudes from the first array fixture. Each fiber segment of a selected plurality of fiber segments belongs to at least one microspacer neighborhood that includes at least two fiber segments secured in contacting engagement with a precision microspacer installed between the at least two fiber segments such that the axial fiber centers at the first ends of the at least two fiber segments are maintained in predetermined array positions with respect to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, a combination is provided of a tubular elbow tube and mounting bracket which attaches directly on to the engine to a receiving end component at an entry port opening into the engine. The attachment of the bracket to the engine orients the elbow tube at a precise and reliable direction, thus forming a pathway through which the flexible probe is precisely guided to the desired interior location with minimal manipulation. Attachment of the bracket to a receiving component on the engine permits entry of the probe close to the entry port opening. Thus, the flexible probe requires a minimal amount of contortion or bend to reach the interior destination.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a hollow, flexible guide tube assembly is provided which is a combination of a front elbow attached to a flexible tubular coil spring which is attached to a hollow, tubular handle section, forming a continuous tubular compartment in a configuration that permits the inspector to penetrate and view the inside of an engine through an external access port. The assembly further may comprise an adjustable mounting flange, attachable to an engine bulkhead, movable along the tubular axis of a tubular handle attached to the flexible coil spring that frees the operator from holding the guide tube while performing the inspection. The flexible guide tube assembly facilitates passage of the endoscope into an inaccessible location of device which is to be visually inspected. The flexible guide tube assembly guides the endoscope past obstacles and large gaps that make insertion time consuming, laborious, and damaging to the endoscope.

Abstract: An anamorphic, tapered fused fiber optic bundle is provided having a longitudinal axis Z and two ends each having surfaces in a plane (X axis/Y axis) perpendicular to said Z axis, a first end having cross-sectional dimensions X and Y and a second end having dimensions X' and Y', at least X' being smaller than X, and the ratio X'/X being different from the ratio Y'/Y, wherein the X axis dimension of said fiber continuously varies along said Z axis from the value X in said first end to the value X' in said second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the line of flight, point of entry and angle of entry of an energetic, ionizing particle uses a helical array of scintillating optical fibers.

Abstract: Piggyback endoscopes are disclosed which are connected together releasably where the scopes receive illumination from a single light source via a single fiber optic bundle which has been divided into at least two branches, one branch being individual to each scope.

Abstract: An endoscope is disclosed having a separable, disposable shaft where a push-pull mechanism, housed in liquid tight fashion in a control handle unit, is operable to actuate a shaft flexure means within the shaft effective deflect the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An orientation indicator is disclosed for observing or reading the orientation of the distal end of an endoscope or of a fiberscope having an elongated flexible shaft relative to the proximate end thereof where the flexible shaft the fiber optic bundles of the scope are subject to torque or rotational stresses. The disclosure includes a method of making the orientation indicator and means for measuring the degree and direction of displacement resulting from said rotational stress or torque.