公开(公告)号：US06507679B1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-14

申请号：US09311030

申请日：1999-05-13

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

IPC: G02B600

CPC classification number: H04B10/291 ,  G01D5/35348 ,  G08B13/186

Abstract: An optical sensor architecture receives an input optical signal from a signal source and outputs a perturbed optical signal from at least one sensor to a receiver. An optical amplifier is positioned along a return fiber at an optical distance at least 10 kilometers from the receiver, with the optical amplifier amplifying the perturbed optical signal propagating to the receiver. If only one optical amplifier is used, the optical distance between the amplifier and the receiver may be between about 10 km and about 80 km, and an optical distance of between about 10 km and about 150 km may separate the sensor and the receiver. If additional optical amplifiers and dedicated pump distribution fibers are used, the optical distances may be correspondingly greater. Alternatively, increasing the number of sensors necessitates a reduction in the optical distance separating the sensors from shore.

Abstract translation: 光学传感器架构从信号源接收输入光信号，并将来自至少一个传感器的干扰的光信号输出到接收器。 光放大器沿着距离接收器至少10公里的光学距离沿着返回光纤放置，光放大器放大被扰动的光信号传播到接收器。 如果仅使用一个光放大器，放大器和接收器之间的光学距离可以在大约10km到大约80km之间，并且大约10km到大约150km之间的光学距离可以分开传感器和接收器。 如果使用附加的光放大器和专用泵配电纤维，则光学距离可以相应地更大。 或者，增加传感器的数量需要减小将传感器与岸上分开的光学距离。

公开(公告)号：US06320992B1

公开(公告)日：2001-11-20

申请号：US09124937

申请日：1998-07-29

Applicant: Eric L. Goldner ,  Craig W. Hodgson

Inventor： Eric L. Goldner ,  Craig W. Hodgson

IPC: G02B600

CPC classification number: G02B6/122 ,  G01P15/0802 ,  G01P15/093

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed on a first side of an integrated optics substrate. The optical waveguide is included in a first arm of an interferometer that is arranged to produce an interference pattern. The integrated optics substrate is mounted and arranged such that acceleration of the integrated optics substrate along a selected axis produces a change in the interference pattern. Changes in the interference pattern are monitored and correlated with the acceleration.

Abstract translation: 在集成光学基板的第一侧上形成光波导。 光波导包括在干涉仪的第一臂中，其布置成产生干涉图案。 集成光学基板被安装和布置成使得沿着所选轴的集成光学基板的加速度产生干涉图案的变化。 监测干扰模式的变化并与加速度相关联。

公开(公告)号：US06269198B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-31

申请号：US09430058

申请日：1999-10-29

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

IPC: G02F1335

CPC classification number: G01H9/004 ,  G01V1/52

Abstract: A system for sensing subterranean acoustic waves emitted from an acoustic source includes a plurality of laser sources, each emitting light at different frequencies; a plurality of subterranean optical sensors, receiving and altering the light in response to acoustic waves; at least one optical detector, receiving the altered light and outputting an electrical signal; and electronics, receiving the electrical signal and converting it into seismic data format. Light from the optical sources is modulated at a plurality of modulation frequencies. The electronics can demodulate the signal by mixing the signal with periodic waveforms having frequencies corresponding to one and two times the modulation frequencies. The modulation frequencies are selected such that at least one of the second harmonic frequencies associated with the modulation frequencies is interleaved in a non-interfering manner within the corresponding set of first harmonic frequencies, and preferably such that at least one of the first harmonic frequencies is interleaved in a non-interfering manner within the corresponding set of modulation frequencies. The hydrophone for sensing the acoustic signals is able to operate at pressures and temperatures of at least 5,000 psi and 130° C., respectively. The hydrophone may be housed in a cable having a diameter less than about 1.5 inches. The hydrophone's sensor preferably includes a reference mandrel, two sensing mandrels, and a telemetry cam, which are aligned in a coaxial, end-to-end configuration to reduce the profile of the hydrophone. The mandrels have hemispherically-shaped endcaps and are joined by flexible interlinks having grooves for receiving optical fiber.

Abstract translation: 用于感测从声源发射的地声波的系统包括多个激光源，每个激光源发射不同频率的光; 多个地下光学传感器，响应于声波接收和改变光; 至少一个光学检测器，接收改变的光并输出电信号; 和电子设备，接收电信号并将其转换为地震数据格式。 来自光源的光以多个调制频率被调制。 电子设备可以通过将信号与具有对应于调制频率的一倍和两倍的频率的周期波形相混合来解调信号。 选择调制频率使得与调制频率相关联的二次谐波频率中的至少一个在相应的一组谐波频率内以非干扰的方式进行交织，并且优选地使得至少一个第一谐波频率为 在相应的一组调制频率内以非干扰方式进行交织。 用于感测声信号的水听器能够分别在至少5000psi和130℃的压力和温度下操作。 水听器可以容纳在直径小于约1.5英寸的电缆中。 水听器的传感器优选地包括参考心轴，两个感测心轴和遥测凸轮，其以同轴的端对端配置对准以减小水听器的轮廓。 心轴具有半球形端盖，并且通过具有用于接收光纤的凹槽的柔性互连件连接。

公开(公告)号：US6104846A

公开(公告)日：2000-08-15

申请号：US127879

申请日：1998-07-31

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

IPC: G02B6/255 ,  G02B6/44 ,  G02B6/00

CPC classification number: G02B6/2551 ,  G02B6/4439

Abstract: The length of optical cable affected when splicing in sensors is reduced by cutting and splicing two distribution fiber lines and two return fiber lines to each sensor. The cable includes a spare distribution fiber line and a spare return fiber line. The optical cable is first stripped back to expose the optical fibers therein. For both the distribution and return lines, one fiber is cut at the proximal end of the stripped back portion of the cable, and another fiber is cut at the distal end of the stripped back portion. These fibers are then fused to respective ports on the sensor. Thus, each of the optical channels is formed from more than one optical fiber. The resulting cable is less stiff and more flexible.

Abstract translation: 通过将两条分配光纤线路和两根返回光纤线路切割并拼接到每个传感器，减少了在传感器中拼接时影响的光缆长度。 电缆包括备用分配光纤线路和备用返回光纤线路。 首先将光缆剥离以使其中的光纤露出。 对于分配和返回线路，在电缆的剥离后部的近端处切割一根光纤，并且在剥离后部的远端切割另一根光纤。 然后将这些纤维熔合到传感器上的相应端口。 因此，每个光通道由多于一个的光纤形成。 所得到的电缆不那么坚硬，更灵活。

公开(公告)号：US6084233A

公开(公告)日：2000-07-04

申请号：US891287

申请日：1997-07-10

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Jefferson L. Wagener ,  Michel J. F. Digonnet ,  H. John Shaw

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Jefferson L. Wagener ,  Michel J. F. Digonnet ,  H. John Shaw

IPC: H01J5/16 ,  G01D5/353 ,  G01H9/00 ,  H04B10/17 ,  G01J1/104

CPC classification number: H04B10/2939 ,  G01D5/35383 ,  G01H9/004

Abstract: The present invention significantly improves the signal to noise ratio (SNR) in a passive optical array comprising sensors located in rungs between a distribution bus and a return bus. Erbium-doped optical fiber amplifiers are included in the buses proximate to each rung coupling to offset the coupler splitting losses. The gains of the amplifiers are selected to offset losses due to the couplings. The overall SNR can be maintained without significant degradation even for large numbers of sensors. In one aspect of the present invention, the amplifiers are located along the distribution and return buses directly after the couplers, except for the last coupler. In a second aspect, the amplifiers are located directly before each coupler. The optical amplifiers preferably are made of short lengths of erbium-doped fiber spliced into the distribution and return buses. Improvements can be made to the SNR when the distribution bus coupling ratios are set at optimal values. The value of the optimal coupling ratio depends upon the amplifier configuration, the excess loss and other configuration parameters. In preferred embodiments, sensors are grouped into parallel configurations in the rungs between the distribution and return buses to increase the number of sensors without a corresponding increase in the number of amplifiers and with an improvement in system performance. The number of sensors per rung is optimized to provide a low noise figure (NF) or a high SNR for each sensor in the array within a reasonable pump power budget.

公开(公告)号：US06365891B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-02

申请号：US09606771

申请日：2000-06-29

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Jefferson L. Wagener ,  Michel J. F. Digonnet ,  H. John Shaw

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Jefferson L. Wagener ,  Michel J. F. Digonnet ,  H. John Shaw

IPC: G01J104

CPC classification number: H04B10/2939 ,  G01D5/35383 ,  G01H9/004

Abstract: The present invention significantly improves the signal to noise ratio (SNR) in a passive optical array comprising sensors located in rungs between a distribution bus and a return bus. Erbium-doped optical fiber amplifiers are included in the buses proximate to each rung coupling to offset the coupler splitting losses. The gains of the amplifiers are selected to offset losses due to the couplings. The overall SNR can be maintained without significant degradation even for large numbers of sensors. In one aspect of the present invention, the amplifiers are located along the distribution and return buses directly after the couplers, except for the last coupler. In a second aspect, the amplifiers are located directly before each coupler. The optical amplifiers preferably are made of short lengths of erbium-doped fiber spliced into the distribution and return buses. Improvements can be made to the SNR when the distribution bus coupling ratios are set at optimal values. The value of the optimal coupling ratio depends upon the amplifier configuration, the excess loss and other configuration parameters. In preferred embodiments, sensors are grouped into parallel configurations in the rungs between the distribution and return buses to increase the number of sensors without a corresponding increase in the number of amplifiers and with an improvement in system performance. The number of sensors per rung is optimized to provide a low noise figure (NF) or a high SNR for each sensor in the array within a reasonable pump power budget.

Abstract translation: 本发明显着地改善了包括位于分配总线和返回总线之间的梯级中的传感器的无源光学阵列中的信噪比（SNR）。 铒掺杂光纤放大器包括在靠近每个梯级耦合的总线中，以抵消耦合器分裂损耗。 选择放大器的增益来抵消由于耦合造成的损耗。 即使对于大量的传感器也可以保持整体SNR而没有显着的降低。 在本发明的一个方面，除了最后一个耦合器之外，放大器沿着分配和返回总线直接位于耦合器之后。 在第二方面，放大器直接位于每个耦合器之前。 光放大器优选地由拼接到分配和返回总线中的短长度的掺铒光纤制成。 当分配总线耦合比被设置为最佳值时，可以对SNR进行改进。 最佳耦合比的值取决于放大器配置，过剩损耗和其他配置参数。 在优选实施例中，传感器在分布和返回总线之间的梯级中被分组成并行配置，以增加传感器的数量，而不增加放大器的数量并改善系统性能。 每个梯级的传感器数量被优化，以在合理的泵功率预算内为阵列中的每个传感器提供低噪声系数（NF）或高SNR。

公开(公告)号：US06282334B1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-28

申请号：US09311007

申请日：1999-05-13

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Benjamin J. Vakoc

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Benjamin J. Vakoc

IPC: G02B600

CPC classification number: G01H9/004 ,  G01D5/35383

Abstract: An acoustic array includes amplifiers and sensor subarrays, both of which are placed along rungs that connect a return distribution bus with both a signal distribution bus and a pump distribution bus. By placing the amplifiers along the rungs, separate buses can be used for distributing the optical signal and the pump energy for the amplifiers, thereby facilitating the use of standardized couplers. Time division multiplexed sensor subarrays are advantageously connected to unique combinations of laser signal sources and signal return buses, in which the laser signal sources generate different optical wavelengths that are multiplexed on the signal return buses. Optical sources include intensity modulators on either side of an amplifier to eliminate extraneous noise between optical pulses. In addition, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) filters may be advantageously used to reduce optical noise at wavelengths other than those of interest.

Abstract translation: 声学阵列包括放大器和传感器子阵列，两者都沿着将返回分配总线与信号分配总线和泵分配总线连接的梯级放置。 通过沿着梯级放置放大器，可以使用单独的总线来分配放大器的光信号和泵浦能量，从而便于使用标准耦合器。 时分复用传感器子阵列有利地连接到激光信号源和信号返回总线的独特组合，其中激光信号源产生多路复用在信号返回总线上的不同光波长。 光源包括放大器两侧的强度调制器，以消除光脉冲之间的杂乱无章。 此外，放大的自发发射（ASE）滤波器可以有利地用于降低除感兴趣的波长之外的波长的光学噪声。

公开(公告)号：US06128422A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-03

申请号：US307091

申请日：1999-05-07

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson

IPC: G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/313 ,  G02F1/35 ,  G02B6/28

CPC classification number: G02F1/3517 ,  G02F1/3131 ,  G02F2001/0144 ,  G02F2201/30

Abstract: An all-optical polarization splitting switch of the Mach-Zehnder type includes a polarization maintaining fiber, an optical input signal, an optical pump signal, two polarization cross couplers, and a polarization splitting coupler. The polarization maintaining fiber carries the optical signal and the optical pump signal while maintaining polarization orientation. The first polarization cross coupler splits the optical signal into two portions having mutually perpendicular polarization states which have approximately equal power. The optical pump signal, when present, changes the phase of the first portion of the optical signal with respect to the second portion of the optical signal. The second polarization cross coupler combines all the optical power into a combined optical signal. The polarization splitting coupler couples the combined optical signal into a first output port or a second output port in accordance with the polarization state of the combined signal. This configuration eliminates many of the signal phase discrepancies that occur due to thermal instability and unequal fiber lengths which the Mach-Zehnder type switch exhibits. One application for this invention is a polarization splitting switch for a distributed sensor array.

Abstract translation: 马赫曾德尔型的全光偏振分束开关包括偏振保持光纤，光输入信号，光泵信号，两偏振交叉耦合器和偏振分束耦合器。 偏振保持光纤在保持偏振方向的同时承载光信号和光泵信号。 第一偏振交叉耦合器将光信号分成具有相等垂直极化状态的两个部分，这两个极化状态具有大致相等的功率。 当光泵信号存在时，相对于光信号的第二部分改变光信号的第一部分的相位。 第二极化交叉耦合器将所有光功率组合成组合光信号。 偏振分束耦合器根据组合信号的偏振状态将组合的光信号耦合到第一输出端口或第二输出端口。 该配置消除了由于Mach-Zehnder型开关的热不稳定性和不等长的光纤长度而发生的许多信号相位差异。 本发明的一个应用是用于分布式传感器阵列的偏振分束开关。

公开(公告)号：US5943453A

公开(公告)日：1999-08-24

申请号：US906559

申请日：1997-08-05

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson

IPC: G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/313 ,  G02F1/35 ,  G02B6/28

CPC classification number: G02F1/3517 ,  G02F1/3131 ,  G02F2001/0144 ,  G02F2201/30

Abstract: An all-optical polarization splitting switch of the Mach-Zehnder type includes a polarization maintaining fiber, an optical input signal, an optical pump signal, two polarization cross couplers, and a polarization splitting coupler. The polarization maintaining fiber carries the optical signal and the optical pump signal while maintaining polarization orientation. The first polarization cross coupler splits the optical signal into two portions having mutually perpendicular polarization states which have approximately equal power. The optical pump signal, when present, changes the phase of the first portion of the optical signal with respect to the second portion of the optical signal. The second polarization cross coupler combines all the optical power into a combined optical signal. The polarization splitting coupler couples the combined optical signal into a first output port or a second output port in accordance with the polarization state of the combined signal. This configuration eliminates many of the signal phase discrepancies that occur due to thermal instability and unequal fiber lengths which the Mach-Zehnder type switch exhibits. One application for this invention is a polarization splitting switch for a distributed sensor array.

公开(公告)号：US07054521B2

公开(公告)日：2006-05-30

申请号：US10864656

申请日：2004-06-09

Applicant: Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

Inventor： Craig W. Hodgson ,  Donald A. Frederick

IPC: G02B6/28 ,  G02B6/26 ,  G01J1/04 ,  G01J1/42

CPC classification number: G01D5/35383

Abstract: Sensor arrays utilizing standard 1×2 couplers reduce the differences in the returned optical power levels by appropriate selection of the coupling ratios. Preferred embodiments are described that comprise 6 distribution fiber lines and 16 return fiber lines. One embodiment includes 16 sensor groups in which each sensor group has a dedicated return line. In another embodiment, 8 sensor groups are configured so that no two adjacent sensors have either a common distribution fiber line or a common return fiber line.

Abstract translation: 使用标准1x2耦合器的传感器阵列通过适当选择耦合比来减少返回的光功率水平的差异。 描述了包括6个分配光纤线路和16个返回光纤线路的优选实施例。 一个实施例包括16个传感器组，其中每个传感器组具有专用的返回线。 在另一个实施例中，8个传感器组被配置成使得没有两个相邻的传感器具有公共分配光纤线路或公共返回光纤线路。