Importance

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Abstract

This invention provides a light coupling device capable of selectively dividing a light signal and controlling its transmission from an emitter to receiving elements. The device includes a light-transmissive member with two pairs of opposite lens cavities for receiving light emitting and receiving devices such as optical fibers. A partial mirror is positioned between the cavities so that extensions of the axes of the cavities intersect at the partial mirror and make equal acute angles with the partial mirror. Part of the light from an emitting device in one cavity will be transmitted through the partial mirror to the opposite lens cavity while the remainder will be reflected to a third lens cavity. The fourth cavity receives none of the light. Light from each of the lens cavities will be reflected to a different lens cavity from that of any of the others, which enables various light coupling combinations to be selected. Three lens cavities may be provided in lieu of four lens cavities. In one version there is a light detector adjacent the partial mirror for monitoring the light signal.

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First Claim