Test device for identifying optical components
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for obtaining identification information about fiber optic components and optical assemblies in a non-invasive manner. The present invention further includes test devices for receiving a fluorescent emission having a predetermined spectral signature. The spectral signature provides identification information. The identification information can describe a characteristic of an optical communication component or assembly incorporating the optical communication component.
1 . A test device for receiving a fluorescent emission from an optical component, the fluorescent emission having a predetermined spectral signature identifying one or more characteristics of the optical component, the test device comprising:
a fiber optic interface for coupling the test device to the optical component;
a first optical fiber coupled to the fiber optic interface, wherein the first optical fiber is configured to receive the fluorescent emission having a predetermined spectral signature from the optical component; and
means for identifying one or more characteristics of the optical component based on the fluorescent emission received.
2 . The test device according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying means is a spectral filter coupled to the first optical fiber for receiving the fluorescent emission and separating out at least a portion of the fluorescent emission identifying one or more characteristics of the optical component.
3 . The test device according to claim 2 , wherein the spectral filter is a band-pass filter tailored about the spectral range of the predetermined spectral signature.
4 . The test device according to claim 2 , wherein the spectral filter is a low-pass filter configured to separate out the predetermined spectral signature.
5 . The test device according to claim 2 , wherein the spectral filter is a low-pass filter tailored to separate out the predetermined spectral signature.
6 . The test device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
an illumination source coupled to the first optical fiber for providing illumination to the optical component, the illumination source configured to provide illumination at a spectrum selected to induce the fluorescent emission.
7 . The test device according to claim 6 , wherein the illumination source is an ultra violet light emitting diode (“UV LED”).
8 . The test device according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying means is a spectrometer for performing a spectral analysis on the fluorescent emission.
9 . The test device according to claim 8 , further comprising:
a controller coupled to the spectrometer for receiving a result of the spectral analysis from the spectrometer, the controller comprising:
executable logic for comparing a result of the spectral analysis to stored data, and outputting a result of the comparison to a user.
10 . The test device according to claim 9 , wherein the stored data identifies at least one of the following:
the manufacturer of the optical component;
the location of the manufacture of the optical component;
the year of manufacture of the optical component;
the model of the optical component;
operational characteristics of the optical component;
the manufacturer of an optical assembly including the optical component;
the location of the manufacture of an optical assembly including the optical component;
the year of manufacture of an optical assembly including the optical component;
the model of an optical assembly including the optical component; and
operational characteristics of an optical assembly including the optical component.
11 . The test device according to claim 9 , wherein the controller is a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) and the result of the comparison is output to the display of the PDA.
12 . The test device according to claim 1 , wherein the fiber optic interface is configured to couple the test device to at least one of an optical barrel and an optical transceiver.
13 . A method for identifying a fiber optic component, the fiber optic component including a fluorescent material configured to emit a fluorescent emission, the method comprising:
receiving the fluorescent emission emitted by the fluorescent material;
performing a spectral analysis of the emission to identify a predetermined spectral signature; and
identifying a characteristic of the fiber optic component based on a result of the spectral analysis.
14 . The method according to claim 13 , further comprising:
first illuminating the fluorescent material thereby inducing a fluorescent emission.
15 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the fiber optic component is a fiber optic barrel for receiving and aligning a fiber optic cable with an active optical device.
16 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the fiber optic component is a component in an optical subassembly.
17 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the fiber optic component is a component in a transceiver.
18 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the fluorescent signature includes at least two different spectrums of light.
19 . The method according to claim 18 , wherein the at least two different spectrums of light are emitted at two different intensities of light.
20 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the predetermined spectral signature is encoded with information defining at least one of:
the manufacturer of the fiber optic component;
the location of the manufacture of the fiber optic component;
the year of manufacture of the fiber optic component;
the model of the fiber optic component;
operational characteristics of the fiber optic component;
the manufacturer of an optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the location of the manufacture of an optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the year of manufacture of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the model of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component; and
operational characteristics of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component.
21 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the characteristic includes at least one of:
the manufacturer of the fiber optic component;
the location of the manufacture of the fiber optic component;
the year of manufacture of the fiber optic component;
the model of the fiber optic component;
operational characteristics of the fiber optic component;
the manufacturer of an optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the location of the manufacture of an optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the year of manufacture of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component;
the model of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component; and
operational characteristics of the optical subassembly including the fiber optic component.