Optical fiber information retrieval system mediated by quantum dots and method of use

A technology of quantum dots and optical fibers, applied in the field of non-invasive sensing mechanisms, can solve problems such as complexity, interruption of communication operations, and intrusion

CN102272644AInactive Publication Date: 2011-12-07THE BOEING CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2011-12-07
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a non-invasive and real-time diagnostic analysis concept for a working single-mode fiber optic communication system and a method of using the same. The system includes optical fibers capable of being non-invasively diagnosed, including optical fibers for delivering light beams. The optical fiber includes a first end for receiving a light beam and a second end opposite thereto, a core including an inner wall and a cladding around the core, the optical fiber further includes at least one cladding-free portion comprising a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in a medium, and wherein the quantum dots become activated by evanescent wave coupling caused by total internal reflection of a light beam contacting the inner wall of the core of the optical fiber, and wherein the activation results in light Emission from quantum dots.
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Description

technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to optical fibers, and more particularly to non-invasive sensing mechanisms for real-time diagnostic analysis of working optical fibers. Background technique

[0002] While fiber optic transmission systems have many advantages, they also have some problematic aspects. For example, (1) transmitter power is subject to high manufacturing tolerances; (2) transmitter power decreases over time (from just detectable to very strong, depending on wavelength); (3) optical fibers made of plastic age very fast, especially when exposed to strong temperature fluctuations; (4) by frequently changing the plug, the contact surface of the fiber is scratched, which additionally increases attenuation; and (5) the sensitivity of the receiver is also subjected to high manufacturing tolerances. One of the worst problems is presented by aging and reduced transmitter power. A failure of a fiber optic link, eg due to high attenuation ...

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Embodiment Construction

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are described herein.

[0022] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (ie at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means at least one element and may include more than one element.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "light" and "photons" are used interchangeably and are defined as discrete beams of electromagnetic energy and are intended to include gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, microwaves and radio waves.

[0024] As used herein, the term "dispersed" is defined as fine particles (eg,...