Bae Systems, Inc.

Geoffrey Martland Proudley

Ian James Read

Peter David Foote

Nigel Bruce Aldridge

Henry Jameson White

Ying Lia Li

Nigel Bruce Alridge

The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibers (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibers to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibers may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fiber. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.

Plastic optical fibres

A method of and an apparatus for coupling a first optical transmission means (), such as an optical fibre, embedded within an aircraft composite () to a second optical transmission means (), such as an optical fibre, external to the composite () is described. The method comprises locating the position of the first optical means () embedded within the composite () using X-ray scanning for example; forming a passageway () by laser machining or drilling within the composite () to the first optical transmission means (); and establishing an optical connection between the first and second optical transmission means () at the intersection of the passageway () and the first optical transmission means ().

Optically connecting embedded optical fibers in composite panels

A composite for use in the aircraft construction industry includes an optical transmission device, such as an optical fiber, embedded within a carrier. The optical transmission device is provided with a high-quality optical interface surface which provides for optical connection to the optical transmission means from outside the carrier. The optical interface surface is provided as part of a micro-optical component which processes the optical signals to improve light extraction from a supply to the optical transmission means. The buried optical transmission device is accessed by a passageway formed in the carrier to the interface surface. If the passageway is formed prior to completion of finishing processes on the composite, a protective plug is provided to close the passageway until the optical connection is required.

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Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Geoffrey Martland Proudley