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Distributed fiber sensor with detection and signal processing using polarization state management

  • US 20050276611A1
  • Filed: 08/04/2004
  • Published: 12/15/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting and locating a disturbance, comprising:

  • at least one light source;

    an optical system comprising at least one optical waveguide, the optical waveguide having at least one detection zone defining a length, wherein the disturbance can occur at any place in the detection zone;

    wherein the optical system is configured to carry signals along at least two counter-propagating optical channels;

    at least one beam separator coupled to the optical system, wherein the beam separator develops at least two beams coupled into said two counter-propagating optical channels, respectively;

    at least one polarization sensitive beam combiner operative selectively to combine polarization components of said at least two beams traveling along the optical waveguide, the polarization sensitive beam combiner being coupled to the optical waveguide so as to act upon at least one of said two counter-propagating optical channels, where said at least one of said two counter-propagating optical channels is propagating in a direction that is one of toward the detection zone and away from the detection zone;

    at least one polarization sensitive detector coupled to the optical waveguide;

    a data processing unit coupled to the polarization sensitive detector, the data processing unit being operable to localize the place of the disturbance in the detection zone.

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