초록 ▼

The invention is a rotary joint for singlemode optical fibers, having a fixed and a rotating part to permit the transmission of optical signals across a rotational interface (such as a winch or turret) with minimal insertion loss and, in particular, low reflections (good return loss). There is no ne

The invention is a rotary joint for singlemode optical fibers, having a fixed and a rotating part to permit the transmission of optical signals across a rotational interface (such as a winch or turret) with minimal insertion loss and, in particular, low reflections (good return loss). There is no need of conversion to electrical signals; the device is passive. It may be use an oil of refractive index matched to that of the glass fibers and to that of fiber tapers or lenses used to expand the beam emitted from one fiber and contract it for transmission into the other fiber. The device is bidirectional. By use foil, through precision techniques for building and mounting the optical and mechanical components, and by use of advanced bearings, both the insertion loss and unwanted reflections (return loss) can be minimized, thereby making it suitable for use with singlemode fiber. Insertion loss can be further reduced in conjunction with index-matching fluid by using optical elements (lenses, tapers, fibers) having angled or curved facets rather than perpendicular facets. Oil filling has the further advantage of pressure compensation allowing the device to operate at any ambient pressure. Lenses having curved surfaces can be accommodated by the use of fluid having a refractive index different from that of the lens material.

대표청구항 ▼

A fiber optic rotary joint for use with singlemode optical fibers comprising: a stator member; means for axially mounting a first singlemode optical fiber and first light beam expanding and collimating means in said stator member; a rotor member bearingly mounted in said stator member for rotation r

A fiber optic rotary joint for use with singlemode optical fibers comprising: a stator member; means for axially mounting a first singlemode optical fiber and first light beam expanding and collimating means in said stator member; a rotor member bearingly mounted in said stator member for rotation relative thereto; means for axially mounting a second singlemode optical fiber and second light beam expanding and collimating means in said rotor member; means establishing a sealed zone between said rotor and stator members, which zone includes an optical path between said first and second light beam expanding and collimating means; and an optically transmissive fluid contained within said sealed zone.