Abstract: A microactuator for precisely aligning an optical fiber with an optical device includes a carrier having at least one bimorphic actuator which bends or deflects in response to electrical stimuli to thereby controllably position the carrier and, in turn, an optical fiber mounted on the carrier, with an optical device, such as a laser diode. The bimorphic actuator includes first and second layers of first and second materials, respectively, which respond differently to electrical stimuli. For example, the first and second materials can have different coefficients of thermal expansion or one of the materials can be a piezoelectric material such that application of electrical stimuli to the bimorphic actuator will deflect the actuator by a precisely controllable amount. The carrier can also be mounted on an alignment support structure such that upon deflecting the bimorphic actuator is urged against a portion of the alignment support structure so as to move the carrier relative to the alignment support structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor and associated sensing method includes a multicore optical fiber having first and second optical cores adapted to transmit optical signals having first and second predetermined wavelengths, respectively, in a single spatial mode. The first and second optical cores each include a respective Bragg grating adapted to reflect optical signals having the first and second predetermined wavelengths, respectively. Based upon the differences between the respective wavelengths of the optical signals reflected by the respective Bragg gratings and the first and second predetermined wavelengths, a predetermined physical phenomena to which the workpiece is subjected can be determined. For example, the fiber optic sensor can include strain determining means for determining the strain imparted to the workpiece. Alternatively, the fiber optic sensor can include temperature determining means for determining the temperature to which the workpiece is subjected.

Abstract: An optical fiber alignment assembly including an alignment fixture for controllably positioning an optical fiber including an optical fiber carrier defining at least one channel extending inwardly from a first surface of the optical fiber carrier which is adapted for receiving an optical fiber. The optical fiber carrier also defines at least one passageway from a second surface of the optical fiber carrier, opposite the first surface, to each channel. The passageway is at least partially filled with a thermal transfer material and an optical fiber bonding material is disposed within the channel and is adapted to bond an optical fiber to the optical fiber carrier. The optical fiber bonding material has a predetermined melting temperature such that by applying heat to the thermal transfer material, the optical fiber bonding material becomes at least partially malleable.

Abstract: A fracture detecting apparatus for identifying fractures in a metallic workpiece includes a fiber optic element securely affixed to the workpiece with a metallic material, such as a metallic solder. Accordingly, a fracture in the portion of the metallic workpiece to which the fiber optic element is attached will damage the fiber optic element. A light source and a detector are connected to the fiber optic element for transmitting light therethrough and receiving the transmitted light, respectively. The detector determines, based upon the reflection or attenuation of the transmitted light, if the fiber optic element has been damaged. Accordingly, a damaged fiber optic element as well as the fracture in the underlying metallic workpiece which caused the damage to the fiber optic element may be detected and repaired prior to causing additional damage to the metallic workpiece.

Abstract: A laser diode apparatus for initiating explosives or other pyrotechnic devices that has capability of checking both the laser diode operation and the optical fiber continuity between the laser diode source and the explosives required to be detonated. Power isolation circuits are provided to control the flow of current to the laser diode, also isolation filters are used to allow only the command signals to initiate the firing circuits employed.