Inventors:
Terry A. Fuller - Highland Park IL
John G. Kwasegroch - Algonquin IL
Assignee:
Fuller Research Corporation - Vernon Hills IL
International Classification:
A61B 1700
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting a break in an optical fiber adapted for carrying optical energy such laser energy. The optical fiber has a core, a cladding concentric with and surrounding the core and a sheath concentric with and surrounding the cladding. A detector is located within the sheath and has a portion thereof contiguous with the cladding. The detector is adapted to detect both a break in the portion contiguous to cladding as a result of a break in the fiber and a change in transmission of optical energy resulting from a break in the fiber without a concomitant break in the contiguous portion, and to provide a signal indicative of a break in the fiber.