OTDR using an electro-absorption modulator for both pulse forming and pulse detection
US11137317B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M11/3145
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical time domain reflectometer for determining properties of an optical transmission fiber, the optical time domain reflectometer comprising an electro-absorption modulator comprising a waveguide and two electrodes, wherein the waveguide is arranged between the electrodes, a light source configured for emitting sampling light into the waveguide, wherein the waveguide is connected or to be connected between the fiber and the light source, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the light source and a modulation voltage between the electrodes. The electro-absorption modulator is capable of assuming an absorption state, wherein the electro-absorption modulator is further configured for receiving reflected light pulses resulting from the reflection of the pulses of sampling light in the fiber, wherein the absorption of reflected light pulses in the electro-absorption modulator results in the creation of a photocurrent between the electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.