METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING SURFACE DEFECTS OF AN OPTICAL FIBER

摘要

Detectors detecting flashes caused by the escape of light from the surface of an optical fiber as it rapidly passes a detection point suitable for use in on-line detection of optical fiber flaws. A detector includes a plurality of view systems, each view system consisting of a spherical mirror (608), a plurality of lenses and a detector (616). Each spherical mirror (608) is placed at its radius of curvature from an optical fiber (618) to be tested for flaws. A first lens (610) of each view system is placed at its focal length away from the optical fiber (618), opposite the mirror. A second lens (612) of each view system is placed opposite the first lens (610). The detector (616) is placed at the focal length of the second lens (612) away from the second lens (612), opposite the first lens (610). Additional lenses may be placed between the first lens (610) and the second lens (612) of each view system. The use of multiple view systems reduces or eliminates the dead zone of the detection system. All of the above approaches may be employed to detect flaws as an optical fiber is rapidly moved past the detector. Flaws may be discriminated and recorded in real time providing improved quality control, and manufacturing process data.