Sensor and method for detecting fiber optic faults
US6798523B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M11/331
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic fault detector and generic fiber optic sensor system for detecting breaks in an optical fiber using a low coherence interferometric technique. The system comprises a light source configured to produce light traveling along the optical path, a modulator optically coupled to the light source configured to modulate at least a portion of the light as a function of a modulation signal, a detector optically coupled to the modulator configured to produce a detector output based upon a sensed intensity of the light, and an electronic array configured to receive the detector output and determine the optical fault. The low coherence interferometric technique allows for detection of a fault in the fiber with a minimal amount of test equipment and with higher measurement sensitivity and resolution. The system may alternatively include a transducer, positioned in place of the fiber under test, having a response which changes in reflective or optical path length. The system can be used in a LIDAR system, wherein telescope optics are used in place of the fiber under test, to transmit light and collect light scattered from objects or from the air.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.