Optical slip ring for off-axis high-bit-rate data transmission

A 0.9-m diam off-axis optical slip ring for a 140-Mbit/s data transmission between the fixed and rotating parts of a continuously rotating device has been made. A grazing incidence multiple reflection technique has been used in this data link for guiding the light around the circumference of the slip ring. The optical properties are discussed as well as a special arrangement for the compensation of pulse delay time effects.