Variable coupler fiberoptic sensor
First Claim
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1. A fiberoptic sensor comprising:
- fiberoptic coupler means having a plurality of input optical fibers each having a core, said cores of said optical fibers merged and fused in a waist region to form a common optical core wherefrom a plurality of output optical fibers emerge, said fiberoptic coupler for distributing light energy incident to one of said input optical fibers between said plurality of output optical fibers,means having refractive index variable with stress applied thereto for encapulating said common optical core, such that said incident light energy is distributed between said plurality of output optical fibers as a function of stress applied to said refractive index means, anddetector means coupled to said plurality of output optical fibers for providing output signals representative of said optical energy distribution in said plurality of output optical fibers.
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Abstract
A variable coupler fiberoptic sensor in which a fused, tapered, biconical directional fiberoptic coupler is encapsulated in a stress birefringent medium whose index of refraction changes with applied stress.
The ratio of power in the output fibers of the directional coupler varies with the change of index of refraction of the encapsulating medium as stress is applied to the medium.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A fiberoptic sensor comprising:
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fiberoptic coupler means having a plurality of input optical fibers each having a core, said cores of said optical fibers merged and fused in a waist region to form a common optical core wherefrom a plurality of output optical fibers emerge, said fiberoptic coupler for distributing light energy incident to one of said input optical fibers between said plurality of output optical fibers, means having refractive index variable with stress applied thereto for encapulating said common optical core, such that said incident light energy is distributed between said plurality of output optical fibers as a function of stress applied to said refractive index means, and detector means coupled to said plurality of output optical fibers for providing output signals representative of said optical energy distribution in said plurality of output optical fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification