Patent ID: 6768829
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
An mÃ—n sensor array, comprising:m distribution fiber lines; n return fiber lines; and z sensor groups, each of said z sensor groups comprising: y sensors; and input couplers and output couplers, said input couplers and said output couplers being connected to respective ones of said sensors, wherein each of said input couplers within any of said z sensor groups is connected to a corresponding one of said m distribution fiber lines, wherein each of said output couplers within any of said z sensor groups is connected to a corresponding one of said n return fiber lines; wherein coupling ratios of said input couplers and said output couplers in said z sensor groups are chosen to reduce differences in returned optical signal power levels; wherein said output couplers comprise a first output coupler and a second output coupler, wherein a first number of said output couplers are located between said first output coupler and a signal destination on one of said n return fiber lines, wherein the first number is greater than or equal to zero, wherein the coupling ratio of said first output coupler is based on the first number, wherein a second number of said output couplers are located between said second output coupler and the signal destination on the one of said n return fiber lines, wherein the coupling ratio of said second output coupler is based on the second number, wherein the second number is greater than the first number, wherein the coupling ratio of said second output coupler is larger than the coupling ratio of said first output coupler; wherein m is 6 and n is 16.