FLUORESCENCE-BASED TEST OF FIBEROPTIC CONTINUITY

There is considerable interest in the use of lasers and optical fibers for the initiation of pyrotechnics. In this application the need deve lops for a means of testing the continuity of the initiation fiber bef ore initiation of the pyrotechnic. We present proof of the feasibility of an unambiguous continuity test using the fluorescence returned by the fiber from a fluorescent material in or near the pyrotechnic. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.