Fiber delivery system with enhanced passive fiber protection and active monitoring
US7146073B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2852
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an optical fiber system for delivering laser, a laser beam is focused onto an optical fiber at an injection port of the system. The end portions of the fiber have cladding treatments to attenuate stray light and cladding mode light, so as to enhance the protection of the outer layer joint points. Photodetector sensors monitor scattered stray light, cladding mode light, and/or transmitted cladding mode light. Sensor signals are provided to a control unit for analyzing the fiber coupling performance. If need be, the control unit can control a laser shutter or the like to minimize or prevent damage. In materials processing applications, the photodetector signals can be analyzed to determine the processing status of a work piece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.