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US5317575A
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System for determining birefringent axes in polarization-maintaining optical fiber
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1992-12-11
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Granted: 1994-05-31
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Expires: 2012-12-11
Abstract
Abstract To determine the angular orientation of polarization axes within a length of polarization-maintaining optical fiber, a coherent light source, such as a laser, is focused onto the side of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber and a resultant scattered pattern is generated. A sensor/analyzer monitors the resultant scattered pattern and determines the location of the polarization axes.
Inventors
- 👤 John B. Aniano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/30; G01M11/37; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method which determines the position of birefringent axes in a polarization maintaining optical fiber, comprising the steps of: generating a beam from a coherent light source; causing the beam to interact with non-symmetrical glass elements within an optical fiber, thereby scattering light in a pattern; sensing the scattered light pattern; and analyzing the sensed scattered light pattern to determine the position of the birefringent axes of the optical fiber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method which determines the position of birefringent axes in a polarization maintaining optical fiber, comprising the steps of: generating a beam from a coherent light source; causing the beam to interact with non-symmetrical glass elements within an optical fiber, thereby scattering light in a pattern; sensing the scattered light pattern; and analyzing the sensed scattered light pattern to determine the position of the birefringent axes of the optical fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as described by claim 1, wherein the step of causing the beam to interact with non-symmetrical glass elements within an optical fiber for scattering light in a pattern includes the step of: focusing the beam onto a side of the optical fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method as described by claim 2, including: the step of the step of: rotating the optical fiber for varying the scattered light pattern so as to have light and dark regions converging and diverging in a pattern from a bright central region, said converging and diverging pattern indicating the birefringement axes position of the fiber with respect to the focused beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as described by claim 3, wherein the step of analyzing the sensed scattered light pattern to determine the birefringent axes position of the optical fiber includes the step of: monitoring the converging and diverging pattern.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as described by claim 1, wherein the step of generating a beam from a coherent light source includes the step of: using a laser as the coherent light source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-30 | 1997-11-29 | 1998-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-11-29 | 2002-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-30 | 2005-11-29 | 2006-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |