Abstract: An apparatus for an optical time domain analyzer includes a pulsed laser source and a continuous wave (CW) laser source. The apparatus also has a computer readable memory for detection of a reflected pulse of an outgoing pulse from the pulsed laser source, the reflected pulse being reflected from a break in the fiber or an unterminated end of the fiber. In another embodiment, a computer program product having memory with computer readable code embodied therein is provided for determining a distance to a break or fiber end in an optical fiber. The computer program detects an outgoing pulse from a pulsed laser source in an optical time domain analyzer, detects a reflected pulse and determines the timing of the reflected pulse relative to the outgoing pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely detecting and reporting faults in optical fibers is provided. Using a device similar to an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), breaks or sharp bends in an optical fiber can be detected, and the location of such events precisely determined, based on the time required for an optical pulse to travel from the device to the bend or break, and back to the device again. The location of reflections caused by breaks or poor connections may be identified, as well as the locations of attenuating events due to bends or other losses in the fiber. Unlike a conventional OTDR, the location of the event can be transmitted to a technician or central office via a radio link, allowing real-time reporting of the operational status of a fiber. Large numbers of fibers may be continuously monitored in real-time by permanently installing such monitoring systems in a network.

Abstract: An optical fiber monitoring arrangement includes a monitoring fiber formed from an optical fiber having a core and a cladding and suitably modified to include a zone of altered refractive index defining an optical channel extending from the core to the outer surface of the fiber. The channel is capable of diverting therealong a portion of light traveling along the core. A detector positioned adjacent the monitoring fiber receives light diverted along the channel and transforms the diverted light into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can then be conveyed, preferably wirelessly, to an appropriate receiver for further processing and analysis. The arrangement is particularly useful in monitoring optical networks at remote locations and signaling service personnel of problems detected in the network, as determined by changes in, for example, the strength of the light diverted to the detector.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an optical light source is provided. A current source drives the light source, while the voltage across and the current through the light source is measured. The voltage and current are converted to digital signals and sent to a neural network, which generates a modeled optical output power of the light source and a modeled value of the optical wavelength. A control circuit receives the modeled optical output power and wavelength and sends a control signal to the current source to minimize the difference between the desired power output and the modeled output power. In addition, a control signal is sent to a Peltier driver to control the temperature of a Peltier cooler in order to increase or decrease the wavelength emitted by a laser diode.