Patent ID: 6249622
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A 6.times.16 sensor array, comprising:6 distribution fiber lines;16 return fiber lines; and16 sensor groups, each of said 16 sensor groups comprising:6 sensors; andinput couplers and output couplers, said input couplers and said output couplers being connected to respective ones of said sensors, each of said input couplers within any one of said sensor groups being connected to a different one of said 6 distribution fiber lines;wherein each of said return fiber lines is connected to all output couplers within respective ones of said 16 sensor groups;wherein coupling ratios of said input couplers and said output couplers in said sensor array are chosen to reduce differences in the returned optical signal power levels; andwherein, within each one of said sensor groups, the coupling ratios of said output couplers connected to one of said return fiber lines are different from each other and include coupling ratios of about 15, 20, 25, 30, and 47%.