Patent ID: 6456751
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical system, comprising:first and second input optical fibers for producing first and second optical beams, respectively; first and second output optical fibers for receiving either the first or second optical beams; a control apparatus; a beam steering apparatus, responsive to the control apparatus, for independently steering the first and second optical beams to and towards the first and second output optical fibers; first and second output optical power measuring apparatus for measuring the optical power of signals received by the first and second output optical fibers, respectively; first and second reference optical power sources for providing first and second reference optical power values, respectively; a signal processing apparatus, communicatively coupled to the first and second reference optical power sources, the first and second output optical power measuring apparatus, and the control apparatus, for: determining, from the reference optical power values and the measure of the optical power of signals received by said first and second output optical fibers, first and second optimal beam paths which optimize the optical power of signals received by said first and second output optical fibers; and producing an output control signal which may be employed by the control apparatus for the purpose of controlling the beam steering apparatus to achieve the first and second optimal beam paths.