Graded refractive index optical waveguide using a fluid medium
US5805754A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/032
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical waveguide and method for guiding a laser beam through a channel member having a fluid medium disposed therein. A refractive index gradient is created in the fluid medium which causes the fluid medium to guide the laser beam through the channel member. The refractive index gradient results when a temperature index gradient is created in the fluid medium by heating the channel member wall. The channel member can be externally heated using a separate heating source or the channel member can be heated from the inside by the laser beam itself. A fluid pump is used to create a fluid flow in the fluid medium in order to maintain the temperature and refractive index gradients in the fluid medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.