Abstract: An intensity modulated broadband optical signal source is arranged to produce optical signals in a plurality of wavelength bands. A demultiplexer/multiplexer pair receives optical signals from the optical signal source and produces a separate optical signal for each wavelength band. An optical coupler is arranged to receive the separate optical signals. Optical fiber loops connected to the optical coupler guides both clockwise and counter clockwise waves for each of the separate optical signals. The optical signals propagate through a sensor in each loop and then combine in the optical coupler to form a plurality of interference signals in each wavelength band. A multiplexer is optically coupled to the optical coupler to receive the interference signals therefrom, and a detector array having a selected detector corresponding to the each of the plurality of wavelength bands is arranged to provide an electrical signal that indicates the interference signals for each wavelength band.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing wavelength of an optical signal output from an optical signal source comprises an optical fiber arranged to receive an optical signal from the optical signal source and an optical tap arranged to couple a control signal out of the optical fiber. An optical signal splitter is arranged to divide the control portion into a first portion having a wavelength-dependent intensity I1 and a second portion having a wavelength-dependent intensity I2. A control circuit is arranged to compute a ratio R=I1/I2 and to send an error signal to the optical signal source if wavelength drift in the optical signal source causes the ratio R to deviate from a predetermined set point.

Abstract: The number of sensors that can be used by an SSA system including a single source can be increased by using a multi wavelength source to send different wavelength pulses to each of a plurality of different sensor array ladders, particularly Sagnac sensor array (SSA) ladders. More particularly, each broadband pulse from a broadband source is wavelength divided into a plurality of narrower pulses with each narrower pulse being used in a separate sensor array ladder.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength optical source includes a broadband optical source providing a broadband optical signal, and a modification module optically coupled to the broadband optical source. The modification module splits the broadband optical signal into a first output signal and a second output signal. The first output signal and second output signal each comprise a plurality of frequency separated frequency slices of the broadband optical signal. Also, a method of providing a pair of related multi-wavelength signals using one or more broadband sources includes: (a) routing a broadband signal into a plurality of Bragg gratings in a manner that causes the Bragg gratings to reflect portions of the broadband signal and to transmit portions of the broadband signal; (b) routing the reflected portions to a first output as a first output signal; and (c) routing the non-reflected portions to a second output as a second output signal.

Abstract: A proof mass is suspended in a cavity in a housing. The proof mass moves along a sensing axis in response to linear acceleration. Elastic support members are connected between the proof mass and the housing and are arranged to exert a reaction force on the proof mass in response to displacement of the proof mass along the sensing axis. An optical fiber is connected between the proof mass and opposite sidewall portions of the housing such that displacement of the proof mass along the sensing axis elongates a first portion of the optical fiber and shortens another portion. An optical signal source provides a broadband optical signal input to the optical fiber. A fiber optic Bragg grating is formed in the optical fiber and arranged to reflect a portion of the optical signal. Acceleration of the proof mass modulates the wavelength of the reflected optical signal.