Abstract: A telecommunications multimode optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. Pulses are injected using a launch arrangement which generates a narrow spectral width, under-filled, non-uniform mode field power distribution in the multimode optical fiber and Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering from the pulse are detected at the transmit end to monitor the modal power distribution in the fiber which changes on manipulation of the fiber. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a modal power distribution detection system which includes an optical coupler to tap off a portion of the light which contains the higher order signal modes.

Abstract: A telecommunications optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. This can be used in a non-locating system where the detection end is opposite the transmit end or in a locating system which uses Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering to the transmit end to detect and then locate the motion. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a polarization detection system which includes an optical splitter which is manufactured in simplified form for economic construction. This uses a non-calibrated splitter and less than all four of the Stokes parameters. It can use a polarimeter type function limited to linear and circular polarization or two linear polarizers at 90 degrees.

Abstract: A telecommunications optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. This can be used in a non-locating system where the detection end is opposite the transmit end or in a locating system which uses Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering to the transmit end to detect and then locate the motion. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a polarization detection system which includes an optical splitter which is manufactured in simplified form for economic construction. This uses a non-calibrated splitter and less than all four of the Stokes parameters. It can use a polarimeter type function limited to linear and circular polarization or two linear polarizers at 90 degrees.

Abstract: A method and system of intrusion detection system for a multimode fiber optic cable. A light signal is launched into the cable fiber to establish a narrow spectral width, under-filled non-uniform mode field power distribution in the cable. A small portion of the higher order signal modes arriving at the remote end of the cable is sampled and monitored for transient changes in the mode field power distribution. The power distribution changes with physical disturbance of the cable. When those changes are detected as being characteristic of fiber intrusion, the system activates an alarm. This method can sense and alarm any attempt to access the optical fibers in a fiber optic communication cable. In preferred embodiments, the active signal of a multimode optical fiber is monitored for both signal degradation and transient power disturbance patterns that could indicate fiber damage or physical intrusion.

Abstract: A method and system of intrusion detection system for a multimode fiber optic cable. A light signal is launched into the cable fiber to establish a narrow spectral width, under-filled non-uniform mode field power distribution in the cable. A small portion of the higher order signal modes arriving at the remote end of the cable is sampled by use of a coupler and monitored for transient changes in the mode field power distribution. The power distribution changes with physical disturbance of the cable. When those changes are detected as being characteristic of fiber intrusion, the system activates an alarm. This method can sense and alarm any attempt to access the optical fibers in a fiber optic communication cable. In preferred embodiments, the active signal of a multimode optical fiber is monitored for both signal degradation and transient power disturbance patterns that could indicate fiber damage or physical intrusion.

Abstract: A pulsed laser system for visually detecting faults in optical waveguides. A laser operating at a duty cycle of less than fifty percent (50%) produces visible light pulses at a frequency sufficiently high as to visually appear to be continuous. The laser is coupled to an optical waveguide by a connector. Faults are located due to a visible glow at a defective point on the waveguide.