US 5,297,224 A · Optically switched sensor array

Abstract

A fiber optic array having a plurality of subarrays of optical sensors, the subarrays being spaced apart along and optically connected to input and output buses through associated input and output optically actuated optical switches in series in the input and output buses. First and second light signal pulse trains are applied to one and other ends of the input bus and a third light signal pulse train is applied to one end of the output bus. The input switches are sequentially responsive to each first light signal pulse on the input bus for passing to an associated subarray a pulse of second light signal that is simultaneously present at that input switch such that second light signal pulses of the same magnitude are applied to each subarray. Associated output switches are sequentially responsive to third light signal pulses for passing trains of second light signal pulses from the arrays onto the output bus and to processing equipment.

Claims23

Dependent claims

Apparatus for sensing changes in a physical parameter comprising:

means for generating first and second light signals;
a plurality of arrays of optic sensors that are responsive to a physical parameter for sensing changes therein;
means responsive to said first light signal for selectively connecting said second light signal to ones of said arrays;
and
means for monitoring output signals of said plurality of sensor arrays for detecting changes in the physical parameter.

2 more elements

Apparatus for sensing changes in a physical parameter, comprising

means for generating first and second light signals;
a transmit optical fiber having one and other ends thereof coupled to said generating means for receiving said first and second light signals, respectively;
a plurality of fiber optic sensors, each sensor being responsive to a physical parameter for sensing changes therein;
a plurality of first optically actuated optic switches connected in series in said transmit fiber, each of said first switches having an output connected to an input side of an associated sensor and being responsive to said first light signal for connecting said second light signal to said sensors;
and
means for monitoring output signals from said sensors to detect changes in the physical parameter.

3 more elements

Apparatus for sensing changes in a physical parameter, comprising

means for generating first and second light signals;
a transmit fiber having one and other ends thereof coupled to said generating means for receiving said first and second light signals, respectively;
a plurality of fiber optic sensor arrays, each sensor array being responsive to a physical parameter for sensing changes therein;
a plurality of first optically actuated optic switches connected in series in said transmit fiber, each of said first switches having an output connected to an input side of an associated sensor array and being responsive to said first light signal for connecting said second light signal to said sensor arrays;
and
means for monitoring output signals from said sensor arrays to detect changes in the physical parameter.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Optically switched sensor array

Life of this patent

Optically switched sensor array

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23