Abstract: A contactless data transmission system includes a laterally emitting optical conductor connected to an electro-optical data transmitter. The optical conductor is formed by a bundle of optical fibers provided with a transparent cladding, so that the optical conductor laterally emits signals along its entire length corresponding to the data signals which are coupled into the optical conductor. An opto-electrical detector is disposed at a location next to the optical conductor, for receiving the laterally emitted optical signals therefrom. The optical conductor and its data source, and the detector, can be respectively mounted on parts of a system which are relatively movable with respect to each other, such as the stationary frame and the rotating ring of a computer tomography apparatus.

Abstract: A non-contacting optical data transmission system, suitable for transmitting data between relatively movable mechanical parts, includes a waveguide, having an high-frequency generator connected at one end and an high-frequency receiver connected at an opposite end, the basic dielectric material of the waveguide being entirely or partially replaced by photosensitive material. An illumination pattern is generated on the waveguide with a light source and a mask, the reflection behavior of the waveguide being modified by this illumination pattern and thereby causing the amplitude of the signal transmitted through the waveguide to be modulated by keying the light source according to the data to be transmitted.