Single In-Line Fiber-Optic Rotary Joint

摘要

A single in-line fiber-optic rotary joint includes inner and outer concentricbody portions which are rotatable relative to each other around a common longitudinal axis. An optical to electrical converter is mounted in the inner body portion and it is operative for receiving an incoming optical signal and converting it to a corresponding electrical signal. A light source mounted along the longitudinal axis of the inner body portion receives the converted electrical signal and emits a corresponding light signal along the longitudinal axis. A light detector is positioned along the longitudinal axis in the outer body portion wherein it receives the light signal and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal from the light detector is received by an electrical to optical converter which converts the electrical signal back to an optical signal, thus establishing a complete pathway through the rotary joint. (MM).