Adjusting the power level of a visible light source based on a characterization of an optical fiber under test
AssigneeEXFO Inc.
InventorsMichel Leclerc, Mario L'Heureux
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for testing optical fibers are provided. According to one implementation, an optical fiber testing apparatus may include an optical test unit configured to obtain a characterization of an optical fiber to be tested. Additionally, the optical fiber testing apparatus may include a visible light source and an analysis and control device. For example, the analysis and control device may be configured to adapt the visible light source to a specific power level based on the characterization of the optical fiber.
Claims20
An optical fiber testing apparatus comprising:
- an optical test unit comprising a photodetector configured to obtain a characterization of an optical fiber to be tested;
- a visible light source;
- and
- an analysis and control device comprising circuitry connected to the optical test unit and the visible light source and configured to adapt the visible light source to a specific power level based on the characterization of the optical fiber,
- wherein the analysis and control device is configured to boost the power of the visible light source to such a level that a) application of the boosted power to the optical fiber results in escaping light being emitted outside the optical fiber at an intensity that is safely detectable by a human eye, and b) detection range of the optical fiber testing apparatus is increased.
A method implemented by an optical fiber testing apparatus, the method comprising steps of:
- obtaining a characterization of an optical fiber to be tested;
- providing visible light, to the optical fiber, at a specific power level based on the characterization;
- and
- boosting the power of the visible light source to such a level that a) application of the boosted power to the optical fiber results in escaping light being emitted outside the optical fiber at an intensity that is safely detectable by a human eye, and b) detection range of the optical fiber testing apparatus is increased.
An optical fiber testing apparatus comprising:
- an optical test unit comprising a photodetector configured to obtain a characterization of an optical fiber to be tested;
- a visible light source;
- an analysis and control device comprising circuitry connected to the optical test unit and the visible light source and configured to adapt the visible light source to a specific power level based on the characterization of the optical fiber;
- and
- a coupler and a singular optical port, the singular optical port being configured for connection with the optical fiber, wherein:
- the coupler is configured to enable the optical test unit to transmit optical test pulses to the optical fiber via the singular optical port and to receive reflection signals from the optical fiber via the singular optical port,
- the visible light source is configured to apply visible light at the specific power level to the optical fiber via the coupler and singular optical port, and
- the analysis and control device is configured to boost the power of the visible light source to such a level that a) application of the boosted power to the optical fiber results in escaping light being emitted outside the optical fiber at an intensity that is safely detectable by a human eye, and b) detection range of the optical fiber testing apparatus is increased.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.