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US5719975A
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Optically reconfigurable conductive line element
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1996-09-03
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Granted: 1998-02-17
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Expires: 2016-09-03
Abstract
Abstract An optical fiber having a conductive layer disposed therearound has sections removed therefrom that form gaps that expose the underlying optical fiber. Light manifolds are formed at each gap, such as are provided by Bragg gratings photoinduced in the core at each gap, and photoconductive material is disposed at each of the gaps. An opaque coating may optionally be disposed over the outside of the photoconductive material to ensure that it is activated by light propagating within the optical fiber. Light transmitted down the fiber may be controllably coupled output of the fiber at each of the gaps. The optical fiber thus provides multiple functions including electrical conductor, light manifold, and substrate on which the photoconductive material is deposited.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald I. Wolfson
- 👤 Ruth A. Mullen
- 👤 William W. Milroy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:05
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/02057; G02B6/02076; G02B6/02195; H; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/26; H01Q3/2676; G02B6/0208; G02B6/021; G02B6/02104
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An optically reconfigurable conductive line element comprising: an optical fiber having a core and a conductive layer disposed therearound, and wherein a plurality of sections are removed from conductive layer to form gaps therein to expose the underlying optical fiber; a light source for injecting light into the optical fiber; a light manifold formed in the optical fiber at each gap, which taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber; and photoconductive material disposed in each of the gaps in the conductive layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An optically reconfigurable conductive line element comprising: an optical fiber having a core and a conductive layer disposed therearound, and wherein a plurality of sections are removed from conductive layer to form gaps therein to expose the underlying optical fiber; a light source for injecting light into the optical fiber; a light manifold formed in the optical fiber at each gap, which taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber; and photoconductive material disposed in each of the gaps in the conductive layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the light manifold comprises a Bragg grating photoinduced in the core of the optical fiber at each gap, which grating taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the light manifold comprises a light diffuser formed by scuffing the surface of the optical fiber at each gap, which taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber comprises a plastic optical fiber and wherein the light manifold comprises a light diffuser formed by scuffing the surface of the optical fiber at each gap, which taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the photoconductive material comprises a switching device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conductive line element of claim 5 wherein the switching device comprises a photovoltaic field effect transistor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the conductive layer comprises a metal jacket.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 2 wherein the metal jacket comprises aluminum.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 further comprising: an opaque coating disposed over the outside of the photoconductive material to ensure that it is activated only by light propagating within the optical fiber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber comprises glass.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber comprises plastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
122 words
An optically reconfigurable conductive line element comprising: an optical fiber having a core and a conductive layer disposed therearound, and wherein a plurality of sections are removed from conductive layer to form gaps therein to expose the underlying optical fiber; a light source for injecting light into the optical fiber; a Bragg grating 4 photoinduced in the core of the optical fiber at each gap, which grating taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber; photoconductive means disposed in each of the gaps in the conductive layer; and an opaque coating disposed over the outside of the photoconductive means to ensure that it is activated only by light propagating within the optical fiber.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
122 words
An optically reconfigurable conductive line element comprising: an optical fiber having a core and a conductive layer disposed therearound, and wherein a plurality of sections are removed from conductive layer to form gaps therein to expose the underlying optical fiber; a light source for injecting light into the optical fiber; a Bragg grating 4 photoinduced in the core of the optical fiber at each gap, which grating taps off a portion of the light that is injected into and propagates down the optical fiber; photoconductive means disposed in each of the gaps in the conductive layer; and an opaque coating disposed over the outside of the photoconductive means to ensure that it is activated only by light propagating within the optical fiber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The conductive line element of claim 12 wherein the photoconductive means comprises photoconductive material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conductive line element of claim 12 wherein the photoconductive means comprises a switching device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conductive line element of claim 14 wherein the switching device comprises a photovoltaic field effect transistor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conductive line element of claim 12 wherein the conductive layer comprises a metal jacket.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 16 wherein the metal jacket comprises aluminum.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 12 wherein the optical fiber comprises glass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conductive line element of claim 12 wherein the optical fiber comprises plastic.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-02-16 | 2001-08-18 | 2002-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-02-16 | 2005-08-18 | 2006-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-02-16 | 2009-08-18 | 2010-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |