Patent ID: 10302865

Abstract:
Optical fibers are described that include integrated Photovoltaic (PV) cells. The PV cells do not interfere with the optical signals that are transmitted along a core of an optical fiber. Further, the PV cells are able to convert light scattered from the core of the optical fiber into electricity. The PV cells may then be used to power remote optical amplifiers disposed along the optical fiber. For instance, the PV cells may be used to supplement or fully power the remote optical amplifiers. In one implementation, an apparatus includes an optical fiber and a PV cell. The optical fiber includes a first length and a second length that that are joined together at a splice. The optical fiber includes a core that conveys light, an inner cladding surrounding the core that is optically transparent, and an outer cladding surrounding the inner cladding that redirects scattered light from the core into the inner cladding. The PV cell is disposed at the splice between the first length and the second length of the optical fiber and includes a void that allows light from the core to traverse across the splice.