Method and apparatus for detecting defects in an optical fiber

Details Method and apparatus for detecting defects in an optical fiber Method and apparatus for detecting defects in an optical fiber

1998-01-29

1999-03-09

Kim, Robert

Optics: measuring and testing

For optical fiber or waveguide inspection

3562371, G01N 2100

Patent

active

058808256

ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting defects in an optical fiber. The system comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light onto the coating layer of an optical fiber. An optical detector positioned adjacent the optical fiber receives a first light ray reflected at the interface of the air and the coating layer as the light enters the coating layer surrounding the optical fiber and a second light ray reflected at the interface of the air and the coating layer as the light exits the coating layer after passing through the optical fiber. When a defect, such as an airline, for example, is present in the optical fiber, a third light ray is reflected by the defect and is detected by the optical detector. A signal processor is electrically coupled to the optical detector for receiving an output signal from the optical detector and for processing the output signal to determine whether or not one or more defects have been detected. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, when only two rays of light are detected, the signal processor determines that no defects exist in the optical fiber. When three rays of light are detected, the signal processor determines that a defect exists in the optical fiber.

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Cooling and Bubble-Free Coating of Optical Fibers at a High Drawing Rate, C.M.G. Jochem et al., vol. LT-4, No. 7, Jul., 1986, Journal of Lightwave Technology, pp. 739-742.

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