Abstract: A system and method for determining an open or closed position of a magnetically actuated vacuum interrupter. The method includes applying a voltage signal of a known voltage to the actuator over a predetermined period and determining a change in current over time during the period when the voltage signal is applied to the actuator using an output of a Rogowski coil. The method also includes calculating the inductance using the voltage and the change in current over time at a predetermined time during the period and using the calculated inductance to determine whether the actuator and thus the vacuum interrupter are in the open or closed position.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector cleaning process that is both field deployable, and achieves optical reflectance levels of -60 dB and lower. Specifically, the cleaning process according to the instant invention uses electrostatic dissipative (ESD) cleaning wipes along with an acidic detergent and deionized water to remove metallic and metal oxide particles bound to the connector by an electrostatic charge. Advantageously, the acidic detergent is both biodegradable and phosphate free and is therefore environmentally safe. Inasmuch as the instant invention avoids the use of lasers or other machinery, the process can easily be applied in a field setting.

Abstract: The ultra-high vacuum telescoping fiber optic feedthrough apparatus comprises a first tubular section having thereon a mounting flange, a quartz window aperture, and a collimating lens means. The second tubular section being in sliding contact with the first tubular section has a focusing lens means mounted therein. A third tubular section being in sliding contact with the second tubular section has mounted therein a fiber optic cable holding means. In order to provide adjustability between the various sections a first adjusting means being a micrometer screw is mounted onto the first and second sections and a second adjusting means is mounted onto the second and third sections whereby fine adjustment in translational movement is achieved so that the signal-to-noise may be maximized when observing an optically luminescent source such as a plasma formed during laser deposition.