Patent ID: 6449401
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A system for detection of gas intrusion into a fluid containing device comprising:a fluid containing device having a plurality of optical waveguides and a trench provided therein, including a first waveguide and a second waveguide that intersect the trench such that optical coupling between the first and second waveguides is dependent upon a fluid at an intersection of the trench with the first and second waveguides, the fluid containing device including a fluid removal mechanism for removing fluid to the trench to switch the fluid containing device; an optical connection between first ends of the first and second waveguides; a light source for providing a light at a second end of the first waveguide; and a detector connected to detect the light at a second end of the second waveguide and to determine time required to return the fluid to the trench as an indicator of gas intrusion into the fluid containing device.