Abstract: A traceable cable includes at least one data transmission element, a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element, and a tracing optical fiber incorporated with and extending along a length (l) of the cable. The tracing optical fiber includes a core having a first index of refraction and a cladding having a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, with the cladding substantially surrounding the core. The tracing optical fiber also includes periodically spaced apart scattering sites spaced along the optical fiber at a spacing ratio of n sites per meter, wherein each scattering site is configured to scatter no more than about 1/(n*l) times optical power provided to the tracing optical fiber. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A traceable cable includes at least one data transmission element, a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element, and a tracing optical fiber incorporated with and extending along a length (l) of the cable. The tracing optical fiber includes a core having a first index of refraction and a cladding having a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, with the cladding substantially surrounding the core. The tracing optical fiber also includes periodically spaced apart scattering sites spaced along the optical fiber at a spacing ratio of n sites per meter, wherein each scattering site is configured to scatter no more than about 1/(n*1) times optical power provided to the tracing optical fiber. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to apparatuses melting batch materials, the apparatuses comprising a vessel; an electrode assembly comprising an electrode and at least one detection component coupled to the electrode; and at least one device configured to measure an electrical or optical property of the electrode assembly. Also disclosed herein are electrode assemblies for the optical or electrical detection of electrode length, and apparatuses comprising such electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A method for aligning an optical package includes applying a dither waveform and an advancement waveform to a drive mechanism. The optical package includes a semiconductor laser operable to emit an output beam with a first wavelength, a wavelength conversion device operable to convert the output beam to a second wavelength, adaptive optics configured to optically couple the output beam into a waveguide portion of an input facet of the wavelength conversion device, and a drive mechanism coupled to the adaptive optics and configured to adjust a position of the output beam. The dither waveform oscillates the adaptive optics back and forth in first and second directions to oscillate the output beam on the input facet. The advancement waveform advances the adaptive optics in an adjustment direction. Rising and falling edge times of the dither waveform are greater than rising and falling edge times of the advancement waveform.