Abstract: This invention pertains to fiber termination combination which includes an optical fiber having a fiber core for transmitting a highly energetic optical signal that can damage the fiber and a structured region around the core for directing the optical signal into the core, the structured region being characterized by multiple channels of smaller internal diameter than the core defined by thin walls disposed around said core; a ferrule, with an opening therein for locating said fiber, at the end of said fiber enveloping said fiber extremity which cooperates with said blocking structure to block the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber; and a blocking structure disposed over the end of said fiber with an opening mating with said fiber core, said blocking structure blocking the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fiber termination combination which includes an optical fiber having a fiber core for transmitting a highly energetic optical signal that can damage the fiber and a structured region around the core for directing the optical signal into the core, the structured region being characterized by multiple channels of smaller internal diameter than the core defined by thin walls disposed around said core; a ferrule, with an opening therein for locating said fiber, at the end of said fiber enveloping said fiber extremity which cooperates with said blocking structure to block the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber; and a blocking structure disposed over the end of said fiber with an opening mating with said fiber core, said blocking structure blocking the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a jam head and to a protection system. The jam head is rotatable around at least two separate axes and includes a first part rotatable around a first axis and a second part rotatably connected to the first part and rotatable around a second axis; a viewing port in the first part for viewing an object; at least one reflecting surface for conveying an image through the port; a camera optically connected via the at least one reflecting surface to the port; and a unitary infrared transmitting glass fiber of constant core diameter passing from the laser to and through the first and the second parts for conveying an energetic infrared optical signal and an exit port through which the optical signal passes. The protection system is mounted on a movable platform and includes a detector for locating a threat; an electronic and control system connected to the detector for receiving a signal from the detector; a laser connected to the electronic and control system; and the jam head.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the incorporation of a unitary infrared transmitting glass optical fiber within a jam head as part of an infrared missile seeking protection system for a movable platform. The jam head includes a first part rotatable around a first axis and a second part rotatably connected to said first part and rotatable around a second axis, a viewing port in said first part for viewing an object, at least one reflecting surface for conveying an image through said port, a camera optically connected via said at least one reflecting surface to said camera and a unitary glass fiber of constant core diameter passing through said first and said second parts for conveying an energetic optical signal therethrough and through an exit port through which the optical signal passes.