Patent ID: 6456634
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
An optical fiber transmission system comprising:a transmission unit which emits pump light; an intensifying optical fiber; an optical fiber link having an input in optical communication with said transmission unit and an output in optical communication with said intensifying optical fiber for supplying said pump light from said transmission unit to said intensifying optical fiber, said intensifying optical fiber, as a result of said pump light, emitting amplified spontaneous emission, some of said amplified spontaneous emission being back-scattered through said optical fiber link; and a circuit in optical communication with said input of said optical fiber link for detecting an interruption of said optical fiber link, said circuit detecting said back-scattered amplified spontaneous emission from said intensifying optical fiber and generating a signal indicating said interruption given an absence of said back-scattered amplified stimulated emission, said circuit being connected to said transmission unit and shutting off said transmission unit upon detecting said interruption in said optical fiber link.