Inventors:
James F. Kenney - Kent WA
Assignee:
The Boeing Company - Seattle WA
International Classification:
G02B 514
Abstract:
An intrusion-free optical cable of the type wherein one or more signal-carrying optical fibers are carried within an outer cladding which will self-destruct, with or without destruction of the inner signal-carrying fiber, in the event an attempt is made to penetrate the outer cladding and extract a signal. Self-destruction is sensed to indicate that an attempt has been made to penetrate the outer cladding. Various embodiments of the invention are shown including a cladding formed from tempered glass which will shatter when an attempt is made to penetrate it. In another embodiment, a laser is employed which directs a light beam through the cable. This light beam is of sufficient power to melt, or at least raise the temperature of, the cladding or fiber at a point where penetration is attempted such that the severance or rise in temperature can be detected.