Optical power detector and reader

Abstract

An optical power detection system comprises a sensor and a reader. The sensor is configured to detect light in the cladding of an optical fiber. The sensor is positioned both within a ferrule of the optical fiber and proximate the cladding. The sensor is additionally configured to produce an output signal representative of the detected light. The reader is electrically coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive the sensor output signal. The reader is additionally configured to operation on the output signal to produce a corresponding visual and/or audible indication of the optical power in the optical fiber.

1 . An optical power detection system comprising:
 a sensor configured to detect light in the cladding of ferrule-less optical fiber, the sensor positioned proximate the cladding, the sensor additionally configured to produce an output signal representative of the detected light;   a reader electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the sensor output signal, the reader additionally configured to operate on the output signal to produce a corresponding visual and/or audible indication of optical power in the optical fiber.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a photodetector. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the sensor comprises a PIN photodiode. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is parallel to the axis of the optical fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a housing is mounted about the optical fiber and the sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the housing comprises an optical connector, an optical converter, or an optical adapter. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the reader comprises an apparatus independent from the sensor and housing. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the sensor has an electrical interface that is mounted on an exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the electrical interface comprises an electrical lead coupled between an electrical contact and the sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical lead includes slack to accommodate movement of the optical fiber. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the reader has an electrical interface configured to cooperate with the electrical interface of the sensor to establish electrical coupling between the reader and the sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the housing is additionally mounted about the reader. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reader includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data about the optical power in the optical fiber. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the data includes one or more of an on/off status of the optical power, an optical power level, a wavelength of the optical power, and a direction of transmission of the optical power. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the wireless transmitter is additionally configured to transmit an identifier unique to the optical fiber. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reader includes a display screen. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reader and sensor are powered by an energy harvesting device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the energy harvesting device harvests one or more of optical, mechanical, thermal or kinetic energy. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light in the cladding of the optical fiber is reflected to the sensor with by a mirror formed within the optical fiber. 
     
     
         21 .- 42 . (canceled)