Abstract: Fibre substrates act as a conduit for light along which response signals are transmitted to a controller in the form of an electronic device associated with a component. The processed signals are stored in a local memory to provide a component history and a prediction of future performance and life. Service and repair history may be added to the component device memory to enable a complete history to be stored with the component. A controller may transmit data to an external controller or display through typically a wireless connection. Power to the component electronics may be provided by an induction loop or transformer.

Abstract: An optical fiber crack detector that includes a plurality of FBG sensors positioned within one or more fibers that are operable to reflect a defined wavelength of an optical input beam. The crack detector includes a light source for generating the optical input beam that propagates down the optical fiber and interacts with the FBG sensors. A wavelength of the optical beam that is reflected by the FBG sensors is detected, and if a crack in the component damages the fiber between an FBG sensor and the detector circuit, where one or more of the reflected signals are not received, the detector knows that a crack has occurred. By strategically placing a plurality of the FBG sensors along the fiber, a crack that damages the fiber in multiple locations between multiple FBG sensors, or in multiple fibers, can provide an indication of the length of the crack.

Abstract: A system for detecting and containing a breach in a container includes a first containment layer and a first sensor layer. The first sensor layer includes at least one signal path extending the first sensor layer. The first sensor layer may be provided by either a fiber optic or a wire. An inability of the at least one signal path to conduct a signal from a first end to a second end represents either a breach, or an attempted breach, from outside the container or a failure of the container. The containment layers may seal against any leakage of material in a container subsequent to a breach either from within or from without. An additional layer may be provided to protect against intrusion and may be made from material such as Kevlar. The detection and containment system may be implemented to protect tunnels, pipelines, hatches and manhole covers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for sensing of a disturbance on an optical link. Data traffic from an optical source with a short coherence length is transmitted along the link to a receiver station on one or more of a plurality of time-division-multiplexed channels. One of the channels is used to transmit encoded phase information relating to the phase characteristics of the optical source output. At the receiver station, the actual phase characteristics of the arriving light from the optical source is compared with the encoded phase information. Since a physical disturbance of the link is likely to alter the actual phase characteristics of the arriving light but not the encoded phase information, it is possible to determine if a physical disturbance has occurred. The system can conveniently be used to monitor an optical link carrying communications traffic.

Abstract: A fiber optic harness testing apparatus and method of forming termini for a harness testing apparatus, are provided. The apparatus can include an analyzer to determine an attenuation value between an electrical form transmit test signal and an electrical form return test signal to determine an attenuation across one or more optical fibers of a fiber-optic harness under test, and a plurality of electrical test leads each including a test lead connector adapted to mechanically and optically interface the electrically conductive test leads and the analyzer with the fiber-optic harness under test. Each test lead connector can include a set of test lead connector termini. Each test lead connector terminus can include an optically active element to optically interface with a corresponding fiber-optic harness connector terminus positioned in one or more of the connectors of the fiber-optic harness under test.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting service life of remote equipment for infiltration of liquid are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus preferably include at least one fiber optic sensor assembly adapted to react after being exposed to a predetermined quantity of liquid.

Abstract: A fiber optic harness testing apparatus and method of forming termini for a harness testing apparatus, are provided. The apparatus can include an analyzer to determine an attenuation value between an electrical form transmit test signal and an electrical form return test signal to determine an attenuation across one or more optical fibers of a fiber-optic harness under test, and a plurality of electrical test leads each including a test lead connector adapted to mechanically and optically interface the electrically conductive test leads and the analyzer with the fiber-optic harness under test. Each test lead connector can include a set of test lead connector termini. Each test lead connector terminus can include an optically active element to optically interface with a corresponding fiber-optic harness connector terminus positioned in one or more of the connectors of the fiber-optic harness under test.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which encloses the volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a total loss of light or a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof. A continuous wire path can be provided in an alternative embodiment, and which may include e-textiles.

Abstract: An intensity modulated broadband optical signal source is arranged to produce optical signals in a plurality of wavelength bands. A demultiplexer/multiplexer pair receives optical signals from the optical signal source and produces a separate optical signal for each wavelength band. An optical coupler is arranged to receive the separate optical signals. Optical fiber loops connected to the optical coupler guides both clockwise and counter clockwise waves for each of the separate optical signals. The optical signals propagate through a sensor in each loop and then combine in the optical coupler to form a plurality of interference signals in each wavelength band. A multiplexer is optically coupled to the optical coupler to receive the interference signals therefrom, and a detector array having a selected detector corresponding to the each of the plurality of wavelength bands is arranged to provide an electrical signal that indicates the interference signals for each wavelength band.

Abstract: A sensor for a security system is disclosed to detect intrusions at one or more predetermined locations wherein each location includes a moveable member which must be moved in order to intrude the location. The system includes a fiber network routed in close proximity to one or more locations. The sensor comprises a sensor housing for being disposed at a location to detect a predetermined movement of the moveable member from a secure position to an unsecured position, and means for mounting the sensor housing in a stationary position at the location without a physical connection to the moveable member. The sensor housing includes a fiber inlet and a fiber outlet, and a fiber chamber for receiving a predetermined sensor fiber of the fiber network being routed through the sensor housing.

Abstract: The present invention measures the strain caused by the shrink and expansion from the corrosion and examines the corrosion of a tendon for a long term with high sensitivity to improve the accuracy of the examination.

Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes an optical emitter and a photodetector. At least a portion of the optical emitter extends a radial distance from a center point. The photodetector provided around at least a portion of the optical emitter and positioned outside the radial distance of the portion of the optical emitter.

Abstract: A high-voltage component, having a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is on a high-voltage potential with respect to the second end. An insulating part, is arranged between the first end and the second end, and an optical fiber is integrated in the high-voltage component and extends from the first end to the second end. A capillary extends from the first end to the second end and is arranged within the insulating part. The inside diameter of the capillary exceeds the outside diameter of the fiber, and the fiber is arranged within the capillary. The capillary includes a protective medium to achieve a dielectric strength in the capillary, which dielectric strength is suitable for the operating conditions.

Abstract: A main line cable and a backup line cable are laid in a land portion in different routes. A land terminal station includes a break detecting unit that detects a break of the main line cable, and a path switching unit that switches a transmission path to the backup line cable. The break detecting unit detects a break of the cables based on a received-light level of a main signal transmitted from an underwater cable, or based on a received-light level of a returned monitor signal that has been output by the break detecting unit and reflected by the beach manhole. The beach manhole includes optical couplers that couple and divide the main signal for the main line cable and the backup line cable, a fiber grating that reflects the monitor signal, and an optical director.

Abstract: A sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a shipping container or box. Radiation within or outside the container or box reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. Dopants, use of particular wavelengths of light or temperatures or other mechanisms can increase the sensitivity of the optical fiber to radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.

Abstract: Closely spaced conventional optical fibers are arranged in a grid placed between a first surface and a second surface. A penetrating impact onto the first surface results in a hole of a size proportional to the diameter and velocity of the impacting object. The size and shape of the debris plume that travels between the first and second surfaces is also proportional to the diameter and velocity of the impacting object. If the debris plume is sufficiently energetic, a number of the fibers in the grid are broken. The size and shape of the area defined by the broken fibers can be determined simply by determining which fibers are no longer transmitting light. Analytical methods are then used to relate the extent of the damaged area to the location of an MOD impact, the direction from which the impact occurred, and the size of the impacting object.

Abstract: A fiber optic tester (10) broadly comprises a testing unit (16) to take measurements across two test points (27), a processing unit (18) to locate faults by analyzing the measurements, a switching unit (20) that can connect termination points (13) of a electrical circuit (12) to the test points (27) in a sequence controlled by the processing unit (18), and a fiber unit (22) to test a optical circuit (14). The tester (10) may also include an electrical harness (24) or an optical harness to connect the electrical circuit (12) to the switching unit (20) or the optical circuit (14) to the fiber unit (22). The processing unit (18) is preferably programed with interconnection information of the circuits (12,14) and internal characteristics of the tester (10). Using the interconnection information and the internal characteristics, the processing unit (18) may accurately detect faults within the circuits (12,14).

Abstract: A liner sheet lines at least a portion of an interior surface of a shipping container or box and defines an optical path extending across at least a portion of the sheet, such that a breach of the interior surface also alters an optical characteristic of the optical path. For example, an optical fiber can be woven into, or sandwiched between layers of, the liner sheet. The optical path is monitored for a change in an optical characteristic. If the container or box interior surface is breached, one or more portions of the optical fiber are severed or otherwise damaged, and the optical path is altered. The detected change in the optical path can be used to trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or to send a message that includes information concerning the container's contents or time or location of the container when the breach occurred to a central location, such as a ship's control room or a port notification system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation (EMR) multiple pulse generator, comprising, an EMR source for producing discrete pulses of radiation, an EMR splitter for receiving the pulses of radiation produced by the EMR source, said splitter providing a plurality of EMR transmission paths for the received pulses, each of said transmission paths having physical characteristics for modifying EMR pulses passing through said paths relative to the input pulses, an EMR combiner for combining the modified outputs of said plurality of EMR transmission paths, and at least one combined EMR output transmission path for transmitting said combined EMR output.

Abstract: A fiber optic tester (10) broadly comprises a testing unit (16) to take measurements across two test points (27), a processing unit (18) to locate faults by analyzing the measurements, a switching unit (20) that can connect termination points (13) of a electrical circuit (12) to the test points (27) in a sequence controlled by the processing unit (18), and a fiber unit (22) to test a optical circuit (14). The tester (10) may also include an electrical harness (24) or an optical harness to connect the electrical circuit (12) to the switching unit (20) or the optical circuit (14) to the fiber unit (22). The processing unit (18) is preferably programed with interconnection information of the circuits (12, 14) and internal characteristics of the tester (10). Using the interconnection information and the internal characteristics, the processing unit (18) may accurately detect faults within the circuits (12, 14).

Abstract: A fiber optic tester (10) broadly comprises a testing unit (16) to take measurements across two test points (27), a processing unit (18) to locate faults by analyzing the measurements, a switching unit (20) that can connect termination points (13) of a electrical circuit (12) to the test points (27) in a sequence controlled by the processing unit (18), and a fiber unit (22) to test a optical circuit (14). The tester (10) may also include an electrical harness (24) or an optical harness to connect the electrical circuit (12) to the switching unit (20) or the optical circuit (14) to the fiber unit (22). The processing unit (18) is preferably programed with interconnection information of the circuits (12, 14) and internal characteristics of the tester (10). Using the interconnection information and the internal characteristics, the processing unit (18) may accurately detect faults within the circuits (12, 14).

Abstract: A sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect a breach or nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a container or a fence. A breach of the sheet or radiation within or near the sheet reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length and volumetric mass of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the breach or radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.

Abstract: Disclosed is the application of spatial filters and beam energy homogenizing systems in ellipsometer and the like systems prior to a sample system. The purpose is to eliminate a radially outer annulus of a generally arbitrary intensity profile, so that electromagnetic beam intensity is caused to quickly decay to zero, rather than, for instance, demonstrate an irregular profile as a function of radius.

Abstract: A technique is provided in which the inside and outside of an exposure device is prevented from being adversely affected by leakage of light by setting an inspection output most suitable for high-power LD. A light-leakage detection level is set correspondingly to output characteristics of each high-power LD, and respective thresholds thereof are previously stored. As a result, leakage of light can be determined in a lower-power state of 100 mW or less. Accordingly, even if leakage of light may occur, leakage of light can be determined before high-power light leaks, and the inside and outside of the device can be prevented from being adversely affected by light leakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure and for locating the position of an event including a light source, a waveguide, and a detector means. The waveguide receives light from the light source so that the light is caused to propagate in counter-propagating optical signals in the waveguide. The waveguide includes the counter-propagating optical signals or some characteristic of the signals modified or effected by an external parameter caused by or indicative of the event to provide modified counter-propagating optical signals. The detector means detects the modified counter-propagating optical signals effected by the parameter and determines the time delay or difference between the modified counter-propagating optical signals in order to determine the location of the event.

Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.

Abstract: Fiber grating environmental measurement systems are comprised of sensors that are configured to respond to changes in moisture or chemical content of the surrounding medium through the action of coatings and plates inducing strain that is measured. These sensors can also be used to monitor the interior of bonds for degradation due to aging, cracking, or chemical attack. Means to multiplex these sensors at high speed and with high sensitivity can be accomplished by using spectral filters placed to correspond to each fiber grating environmental sensor. By forming networks of spectral elements and using wavelength division multiplexing arrays of fiber grating sensors may be processed in a single fiber line allowing distributed high sensitivity, high bandwidth fiber optic grating environmental sensor systems to be realized.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for providing an optical fiber interconnect, a transmitter transmits an optical signal through an optical fiber. The transmitter does not transmit to a controller, information about the power of the transmitted optical signal near the input end of the fiber. The controller receives an indication of the power of a returned portion of the transmitted optical signal. The controller causes the lowering of the power of the transmitted optical signal to a predetermined level based the received indication.

Abstract: A digital spatial and wavelength domain system for multiplexing fiber Bragg grating sensors comprises: a plurality of optical fibers, each including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings therein, each fiber Bragg grating having a selective center wavelength that is variable in accordance with strain for reflecting or transmitting light at the corresponding center wavelength in accordance with the strain thereat; means for providing broad band illumination (110) for the fiber Bragg gratings; means for each optical fiber for carrying the light to a selected location; and a wavelength dispersion device (136) responsive to the light from each of the fibers for wavelength separating the light in each fiber into the center wavelengths in accordance with the location of each fiber so that the selected location of each fiber and the wavelength separated light provides spatially independent signals for each fiber Bragg grating in each optical fiber.

Abstract: A remote amplifier of the present invention includes an optical splitter and an optical combiner respectively connected to an input and an output thereof. One end of the split output of the splitter is used as an input port while one end of the combiner is used as an output port. When a fault occurs at a certain point on an optical transmission path, an ODOR (Optical Time Domain Reflect meter) is connected to either one of the input port and output port for evaluating the faulty point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving optical waveguides to precise differential length are described. A first end of a waveguide is coupled to an input port of a reflectometer. A reference mirror is then positioned in a path of radiation propagating through the second end of the waveguide. A waveguide cutting tool is then positioned proximate to the waveguide and at a distance relative to a reference mirror. A first reflectometry measurement is performed on the waveguide to a second end of the waveguide. A second reflectometry measurement is performed on the waveguide to the reference mirror. The waveguide is then positioned relative to the reference mirror and waveguide cutting tool so that the first reflectometery measurement is a measurement increment apart from the second reflectometry measurement. The waveguide is then cut with the cutting tool positioned at the distance relative to the reference mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting foreign bodies in fiber material includes at least two light sources. At least one of the light sources has at least three light emitting elements. Each light emitting element radiates a light of different color. An arrangement directs the light emitted by the light sources to the fiber material for illuminating the fiber material, and a sensor detects the illuminating light after illumination of the fiber material for emitting an electric signal upon a sudden color change of the fiber material. An arrangement causes the light sources to alternatingly illuminate the fiber material with different colors, and further, an arrangement selects the color emitted by the light sources as a function of the color of the fiber material.

Abstract: An optical fiber seal verifying system includes an optical pattern generation unit for reading the optical pattern of an optical fiber seal in sealing and verification and generating first and second optical pattern data corresponding to the sealing and verification, respectively, a seal number input unit for inputting a unique seal number for identifying the optical fiber seal, a memory unit for recording the optical pattern data generated by the optical pattern generation unit together with the seal number input by the seal number input unit, a processor unit for reading the first optical pattern data recorded in the memory unit in verifying the optical fiber seal and the second optical pattern data recorded in the memory unit in sealing the optical fiber seal corresponding to the seal number on the basis of the seal number recorded in the memory unit and comparing the first and second optical pattern data with each other to calculate the concordance ratio, and a display unit for displaying the calculation

Abstract: An optical transmission system controls an ALS (Automatic Laser Shutdown) function using a message. The optical transmission system includes first and second optical repeaters. The first optical repeater monitors a plurality of optical lines incoming from the second optical repeater to detect a line loss. Upon detection of the line loss, the first optical repeater designates an optical line in an opposite direction of a defective optical line having the line loss, and transmits a request message for performing the ALS function to the second optical repeater through the designated optical line. The request message includes information about the defective optical line. Upon reception of the request message, the second optical repeater analyzes the received request message and performs the ALS function for the defective optical line, and transmits a response message after performing the ALS function to the first optical repeater through an optical line paired with the defective optical line.

Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.