Rotational Decoupling of Tow Cable Fiber-Optic Transmission Lines at a Winch System

摘要

The use of optical fibers to complement the electrical conductors in the umbilical of a tow cable that interconnects a submarine and an antenna-bearing communication buoy has been considered in two previous reports. This report considers the problem of decoupling the optical fibers from rotational motion encountered at the tow cable winch system. Two methods of decoupling are identified and discussed: (1) an auxiliary transmission line winding device; and (2) optical rotary joints complemented with wavelength-division multiplexing. The advantages and disadvantages as well as the technical considerations of importance of each approach are discussed. (Author)