Importance

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Abstract

An optical fiber has a small diameter core for transmitting one or more wavelength multiplexed first light signals in a first direction, and an inner cladding for transmitting a second light signal in the opposite direction. A lower-index outer cladding or buffer is used to confine the second signal in the first cladding. The diameter of the core may be less than about ten microns. A notch, prism or other suitable device extends into the first cladding and is used to reflect the second signal into an input/output fiber. The reflective device may also be used to input additional light energy into the first optical fiber, to thereby augment an outgoing beam. The optical fiber system may be used in combination with a multi-function signal generating system mounted on an aimable device. A lens device may be used to collimate the outgoing beam and to converge a reflected return beam onto the end of the first fiber.

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First Claim