Kaiser Optical Systems Inc.

Dane D Barlow

Joseph B Slater

James M Tedesco

Eric M Ferree

In an improved optical switch, light from an input optical fiber is directed to one of a plurality of output optical fibers on a selective basis. The output fibers are contained in a bundle, preferably within a removable connector, thereby easing removal and maintenance. The input fiber also preferably forms pair of a bundle within a removable connector. The means for selectively directing the light from the end of the input fiber to the end of one of a plurality of the output fibers may include a pivot upon which at least the input optical fiber is mounted, or an electro-optic Bragg cell without moving parts. One or more lenses are preferably used between the end of the input optical fiber and the ends of the output fibers to assist in directing the light. A preferred arrangement incorporates two lenses, positioned so that the end of the output fiber and the end of a selected input fiber are each located at the focal point of one of the lenses.

Fiber optic switch configurations

An optical-fiber breakage detection system continuously monitors the integrity of a laser-guiding fiber, whether the laser itself is on or off. If an interruption is detected, the system may cut off, lock out, or reduce laser power, as appropriate. An optical element such as a beamsplitter is used to introduce an optical test signal into one end of the fiber so that the signal is carried by the fiber to the other end where the test signal is detected and employed to perform a desired function. In the preferred embodiment, the test signal is modulated and encoded to minimize false shut-downs. The source of the optical test signal is preferably disposed at the first location and carried by a second fiber to the remote location, enabling the test signal to be compared directly to the test signal as detected. The system is useful in a variety of applications, including systems of the type wherein the laser energy is used to induce a spectral emission from a sample disposed at the remote location, as in Raman or fluorescence detection. In such a configuration one or more additional fibers may be used to carry the spectral emission back to the first location, for example, for analysis purposes.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Dane D Barlow