Fibre optic coupler detector

Details Fibre optic coupler detector Fibre optic coupler detector

1998-01-16

2001-03-20

Hannaher, Constantine (Department: 2878)

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Infrared responsive

C385S138000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06204501

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to detectors of radiation which lies principally in the infra-red region and is particularly concerned with detectors of the type in which the detecting equipment is maintained in a cool environment such as a Dewar type vessel.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventional detectors for detecting infra-red radiation by means of a detecting arrangement contained in a Dewar type vessel include a window provided in the wall of the vessel through which the infra-red radiation can be transmitted to the detecting equipment. Generally the radiation to be detected is coupled to the detector by means of an infra-red transmitting fibre which typically has a large numerical aperture. The coupling of large numerical aperture infra-red fibres to a detector presents a number of problems. These include the large cost of infra-red transmitting lenses which are usually necessary and aberration of such lenses. It is also difficult to locate mirror assemblies with large apertures in small spaces. There is also a problem that modal noise which occurs by over-filling detectors when using large diameter fibres. Other problems can result from misaligned detector optics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with an arrangement which is intended to alleviate or remove the above problems. In the present invention the conventional window used in the Dewar type container is replaced by a coupler which incorporates an infrared transmitting fibre which terminates close to the detecting equipment provided in the Dewar container.
The fibre coupling may incorporate a small silica fibre mounted within a generally annular member which is sealed against an annular flange on the Dewar housing. The coupling may also include an outwardly extending tubular coupling portion for receiving a connector on the end of another fibre. A significant advantage of the present invention is that no special optical arrangement is necessary in order to couple an external fibre to the detector. Furthermore, the arrangement is inherently aligned.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4118100 (1978-10-01), Goell et al.
patent: 4707066 (1987-11-01), Falkenstein et al.
patent: 4987305 (1991-01-01), Bornstein et al.
patent: 2064862 (1981-06-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Fibre optic coupler detector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

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

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2548960