Patent ID: 6108483
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: A61B,H04B,Y10S

Abstract:
A computed tomography system employing an optical communications link to reliably transmit optical data signals over said optical link, said computed tomography system having a rotating gantry and a detector array coupled to the gantry, said computed tomography system comprising:an optical waveguide coupled to the gantry of said computed tomography system and extending along the length of the gantry, wherein said optical waveguide has optical properties that change in response to energy being applied to a portion of said optical waveguide; andan induced radiated wave chamber through which said optical waveguide is adapted to traverse, wherein said induced radiated wave chamber utilizes energy selected from the group including heat, light, a magnetic field, and a electric field, to generate a total internal reflection (TIR) breach within the portion of said waveguide disposed within said induced radiated wave chamber, so as to cause the optical data signal disposed within said optical waveguide to be radiated from the portion of said waveguide within said induced radiated wave chamber.