Safety latch for Raman amplifiers
US6423963B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/302
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for shutting off a source of optical power to an optical fiber in the event of a cut in the fiber are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited in fiber optic communications systems that use Raman pumps for signal amplification. Optical power from the pump to a fiber is shut off in response to a change in a supervisor signal provided to a first end of the fiber. The supervisor signal is generally operated in an “always-on” mode to provide for fail-safe operation. The apparatus generally comprises a controller coupled to the source of optical power and means for coupling a supervisor signal, which has been provided to a first end of the fiber, to the controller. The method and/or apparatus may be incorporated into an optical communications system having an optical fiber and two or more hubs coupled to the fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.