초록 ▼

A built-in-test capability is provided for determining the integrity of an optical fiber connecting: (a) an optical firing unit having a primary light source emitting a first wavelength, a test light source emitting a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, a mechanism both for coupli

A built-in-test capability is provided for determining the integrity of an optical fiber connecting: (a) an optical firing unit having a primary light source emitting a first wavelength, a test light source emitting a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, a mechanism both for coupling light from the light sources to the optical fiber and also for coupling the return light to a detector; and (b) an optically-initiated device which is coupled to a second end of the optical fiber. The apparatus includes a photoluminescent material disposed at a junction of the optically-initiated device and the second end of the optical fiber. In test mode, this photoluminescent material is exposed to the test light source, which results in photoluminescence at a third wavelength. The photoluminescent light travels through the optical fiber to the detector, and when detected indicates optical fiber continuity. When the system is used to initiate ordnance, the detector can also detect the initial flash of light produced by the ordnance to provide confirmation that the ordnance has ignited.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for testing the integrity of an optical fiber in a test mode and for confirming initiation of ordnance coupled to said fiber in an initiation mode, said apparatus comprising:an optical fiber having a first end and a second end;a light source for selectively transmitting

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for testing the integrity of an optical fiber in a test mode and for confirming initiation of ordnance coupled to said fiber in an initiation mode, said apparatus comprising:an optical fiber having a first end and a second end;a light source for selectively transmitting light energy within a first wavelength range into said first end of said optical fiber in said test mode, and for transmitting light energy within a second wavelength range into said first end of said optical fiber in said initiation mode;optically-initiated ordnance coupled to said second end of said optical fiber which, when exposed to light in said first wavelength range, is heated to an auto-ignition temperature and then emits initiation light energy that is coupled into said second end of said optical fiber for passage through said optical fiber to said first end;a photoluminescent material disposed at a junction of said ordnance and said second end of optical fiber that is substantially transparent to said first wavelength range and at least a portion of said initiation light, said photoluminescent material being photoluminescent when exposed to said second wavelength range at a different wavelength from either said first or said second wavelength range, said photoluminescent light being coupled into said second end of said optical fiber for passage through said optical fiber to said first end; anda detector coupled to said first end of said optical fiber for responding to said photoluminescent light to indicate continuity of said optical fiber in said test mode, and for responding to said initiation light to confirm initiation of said ordnance in said initiation mode.