Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting surface qualities on an optical fiber. The system comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light onto the outer surface of an optical fiber. An optical detector positioned adjacent the optical fiber receives light reflected from the outer surface of the optical fiber and generates an electrical output signal which is delivered to a signal processing device. The signal processing device analyzes the electrical output signal to determine whether one or more surface qualities exist on the outer surface of the optical fiber. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical detection system is used to detect surface qualities that include ink skips, i.e., locations on the outer surface of the optical fiber that do not contain any ink.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting defects in an optical fiber. The system includes a light source for coupling light into the secondary coating of an optical fiber at a preselected angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber and an optical detector positioned adjacent the fiber at a preselected distance from the point at which the light is coupled into the fiber coating. In accordance with one embodiment, the light is coupled into the fiber coating at a sufficiently shallow angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber to cause the light to travel through the coating in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the optical fiber for some distance before exiting the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting defects in an optical fiber. The system includes a light source for coupling light into the secondary coating of an optical fiber at a preselected angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber and an optical detector positioned adjacent the fiber at a preselected distance from the point at which the light is coupled into the fiber coating. In accordance with one embodiment, the light is coupled into the fiber coating at a sufficiently shallow angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber to cause the light to travel through the coating in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the optical fiber for some distance before exiting the coating.