Continuously variable fiber optic delay line using compressible media
US6621969B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/14
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A continuously variable fiber-optic delay line is created from a deformable polymeric fiber in which lighter density elements, e.g. hydrogen, boron, carbon or oxygen, are diffused through the outer surface of the fiber. The diffusion of the lighter elements creates a non-light transmissive cladding that is of a refractive index that increases from the surface of the fiber towards its axis. The cladding longitudinally surrounds a light transmissive core and has a maximum refractive index that is less than any refractive index of the core. A single-mode, graded-index polymeric fiber is thereby created. By applying a reversible and controllable pressure to the exterior of the deformable fiber, the refractive index of the fiber can be changed accordingly. This change in refractive index permits one to continuously vary the time delay of a signal transmitted through a fixed length of the fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.