Alcatel Na Cable Systems, Inc.

Alcatel Na, Inc.,

John E Eide

Teddy W Leonard

Ervin H Mueller

A fiber optic sensor module, for use with an optical sensor of the type that senses a selected parameter and modifies a predetermined characteristic of a received optical signal in corresponding relation to changes in the sensed parameter and retransmits the modified signal, includes an optical signal source having a selected predetermined characteristic and optical connections for providing the optical signal to the optical sensor. Signals retransmitted from the optical sensor are received and are differentiated from the transmitted signal so that the modified signal may be detected to provide an electrical output corresponding to the extent the predetermined characteristic of the optical signal is modified. The module is connected to the optical sensor using an optical fiber so that the sensor may be remotely located from the module and easily disconnected therefrom so that the module may be reused while the sensor may be disposable.

Fiber optic sensor module

An electro-optical module has at least threee ports, with at least one port having an active electro-optical device for connection to electrical circuitry and at least one port having an optical port for connection to an optical fiber link. A passive coupler interfaces the various ports. The passive coupler is formed of optical fibers mounted on glass using an adhesive that exhibits refractive index-matching characteristics. The fiber-on-glass coupler is extremely small, allowing for the module to have minimal size. The coupler may be wavelength selective or wavelength insensitive. If a wavelength-selective coupler is utilized, the end surface of an optical fiber is coated with a dichroic filter to provide wavelength sensitivity. An optical fiber adapted to receive light for connection to a detector is selected to be a multi-mode fiber to increase reception of light. The remaining fibers may be single-mode fibers.

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Fincastle, VA, United States of America

John E Eide