Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus

Details Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus

1993-11-05

1995-07-25

McGraw, Vincent P.

Optics: measuring and testing

For optical fiber or waveguide inspection

356243, 356430, G01N 2189

Patent

active

054367190

ABSTRACT:
A system for detecting flaws in an optical fiber includes a light source which generates a beam of collimated light rays to illuminate the optical fiber substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis thereof. The beam is scattered by a flaw-free optical fiber into an in-plane scattered segment which is scattered in a radial plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. A flaw in the optical fiber scatters the light rays into an out-of-plane scattered segment which are scattered outside of the radial plane. A light attenuator removes the in-plane scattered segment of the beam and a light detector detects the remaining out-of-plane scattered segment. An electrical circuit monitors the light detected by the light detector and determines whether a flaw is present in the optical fiber. To compensate for fluctuations in the power output of the light source, a linear light detector replaces the light attenuator to detect the in-plane scattered segment of the beam. The total detected light is then used to compensate for fluctuations in the power output of the light source. An apparatus for calibrating the system is also provided which includes an optical test fiber having a known flaw mounted in a cartridge. The cartridge is removeably mounted in a moveable carriage such that the known flaw can be passed into and out of the beam to calibrate the system.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4021217 (1977-05-01), Bondybey et al.
patent: 4131365 (1978-12-01), Pryor
patent: 4208126 (1980-06-01), Cheo et al.
patent: 4360270 (1982-11-01), Jeck
patent: 4363827 (1982-12-01), Eichenbaum
patent: 4638168 (1987-01-01), Marino et al.
patent: 4638169 (1987-01-01), Thomann
patent: 4650322 (1987-03-01), Fejer et al.
patent: 4659937 (1987-04-01), Cielo et al.
patent: 4852497 (1989-11-01), Inoue et al.
patent: 4924087 (1990-05-01), Bailey et al.
patent: 5007738 (1991-04-01), Grant
patent: 5015867 (1991-05-01), Siegel et al.
patent: 5083865 (1992-01-01), Kinney et al.
patent: 5185636 (1993-02-01), Button et al.
patent: 5208645 (1993-05-01), Inoue et al.
patent: 5216486 (1993-06-01), Sulleist et al.
patent: 5251001 (1993-10-01), Dave et al.
Presby, H. M., "Refractive index and diameter measurement of unclad optical fibers", Jou of the Optical Society of America, vol. 64, No. 3, Mar. 1974, pp. 280-284.
Watkins, L. S. "Scattering from side-illuminated clad glass fibers for determination of fiber parameters", Journal of the Optical Society of America, vol. 64, No. 6, Jun. 1974, pp. 767-772.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fiber optic flaw detector system and calibration apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-743588