Method and apparatus of monitoring optical power level in waveguiding structures
AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorsLinda M. Braun, Jane D. LeGrange, Alexandru Paunescu
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Abstract
In accordance with the invention, the optical power level in an optical waveguide is monitored by enclosing a length of the waveguide within an insulated cavity of comparable length and cross section, measuring a first temperature T1 within the cavity, measuring a second temperature T2 outside the cavity and deriving from the difference, T1−T2, a measure of the optical power level. Exemplary apparatus for monitoring the optical power level in an optical waveguide comprises a substrate with an insulated groove for receiving an optical fiber, an insulated lid for sealing the fiber within the groove, and internal and external temperature sensors.
Claims7
A method of monitoring a level of optical power in an optical waveguide comprising the steps of:
- enclosing a length of the optical waveguide within an insulated cavity;
- measuring the temperature T1 within the cavity;
- measuring the temperature T2 outside the cavity;
- and
- determining the level of optical power in the waveguide based on the temperature difference T1−T2.
Apparatus for monitoring a level of optical power in an optical waveguide comprising:
- a substrate and lid forming therebetween an elongated insulated cavity for containing the optical waveguide, the cavity having a cross sectional area less than twice that of the waveguide;
- a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature along the waveguide within the cavity;
- and
- a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature along the waveguide outside the cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.