Apparatus and method for underwater fiber-optic coupling

摘要

An apparatus and method for underwater coupling of a fiber-optic cable to a light source without exposing the light source to the surrounding water. The apparatus employs an optically clear coupling element having one or more blind holes on one surface sized to snugly hold a fiber optic cable. The coupling element closes a watertight enclosure containing a light source such that the blind holes are on the exterior of the enclosure. Light emitted by the light source can pass through the optically clear coupling element to be received by fiber-optic cables fitted into the exterior blind holes. The fiber optic cables can be removed and replaced without opening the enclosure and exposing the light source to contact by the surrounding water.