Fiber Optic Rotary Joints-A Review

The rapid increase in the use of fiber optic signal transmission has spawned a need for "optical slip rings" to transfer optical signals across a rotating interface. Performance parameters that impact the development of these fiber optic rotary joints are investigated. The designs of existing single-channel fiber optic rotary joints are discussed with the intention of identifying design features that have the greatest impact on performance. The basic design feature of several multiple-channel fiber optic rotary joints is summarized.