Photoluminescence built-in-test for optical systems

An apparatus for testing the integrity of an optical fiber in a test mode and for initiating 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 said optical fiber that is substantially transparent to said first wavelength range, said photoluminescent material being photoluminescent when exposed to said second wavelength range at a wavelength determined as a function of temperature, said photoluminescent light having a wavelength different 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;
• and
• a 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 to indicate temperature at said second end of said optical fiber.

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 primary light source for transmitting light energy within a first wavelength range in said initiation mode;
• a test light source for transmitting light energy within a second wavelength range in said test mode;
• means for directing light from said primary light source and said test light source into said first end of said optical fiber;
• 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 said 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 wavelength determined as a function of temperature, said photoluminescent light having a wavelength different 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;
• and
• a 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 to indicate temperature at said second end of said optical fiber, and for responding to said initiation light to confirm initiation of said ordnance in said initiation mode.