Patent ID: 7787127
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. An interferometer system for obtaining a measure of the chromatic dispersion of a waveguide comprising: a. a radiation source operable to emit radiation at a plurality of wavelengths; b. a means for separating incident and reflected waves connected to the radiation source, the means for separating incident and reflected waves possessing an output arm adjacent to a first end of the waveguide; c. an optical detector connected to the means for separating incident and reflected waves, the optical detector operable to record a Fabry-Perot interference pattern generated by a reflected test emission from the radiation source; and d. a means for determining an average fringe period of the Fabry-Perot interference pattern for at least three of the plurality of wavelengths and obtaining a first and second derivative of a propagation constant from the average fringe periods, the measure of chromatic dispersion being obtainable based on the first and second derivative of the propagation constant.