MODE COUPLING AND DELAY

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App; Ser. No. 62/377,784, filed on August 22, 2016, incorporated herein by reference herein its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/377,730, filed on August 22, 2016, incorporated herein by reference herein its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Pat. App. Ser. No. 15/678,656, filed on August 16, 2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This also application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Pat. App. Ser. No. 15/678,728, filed on August 16, 2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunication systems and more particularly to distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber using distributed mode coupling and delay.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Distributed fiber sensing (DFS) is the use of an optical fiber to sense environmental perturbations (e.g., acoustic vibration, changes in pressure, changes in temperature, etc.) along the optical fiber's length. The length of the optical fiber can be as short as 1 meter and as long as 100 of kilometers. Conventional methods of DFS exploit various light-matter interaction-based physical mechanisms in the optical fiber. For example, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) exploits Rayleigh scattering to sense acoustic vibrations, distributed Brillouin sensing exploits Brillouin scattering to sense strain and temperature, and distributed Raman sensing exploits Raman scattering to sense temperature.

[0004] In particular, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) has received particular interest in recent years. As compared to point sensors, due its distributiveness, DAS can better monitor, for example, terrestrial and undersea oil and gas wells/pipelines, thereby enabling longer oil and gas well/pipeline lifetimes and, in turn, better optimizing associated financial revenue.

[0005] In conventional methods of DAS, a laser pulse is launched into the optical fiber input and creates Rayleigh scattering as it propagates along the optical fiber's length. Using a time of flight analysis, referred to as optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), at the optical fiber input, Rayleigh back-scattering is measured at continuous points along the optical fiber's length. As a result, each point of the resulting OTDR "trace" corresponds to a unique spatial position z along the optical fiber's length, i.e., each spatial z point along the optical fiber's length can be discriminated unambiguously. Via the photo-elastic effect, if an acoustic vibration makes physical contact with the optical fiber at some point(s) along its length, the phase of the Rayleigh backscattering will change proportionally. Effectively, by measuring the phase of the Rayleigh backscattering in concert with the time of flight analysis, a signal of the acoustic vibration(s) (i.e. amplitude and frequency) can be sensed at any point along the optical fiber's length.

[0006] While effective, fundamental problems of conventional methods of DAS include the following.

[0007] Problem 1 - Detection Speed: The detection speeds of conventional methods of DAS are limited. The limited detection speeds of conventional methods of DAS are due to the fact that only one laser pulse can occupy the optical fiber at any given time so that a unique spatial position of the optical fiber can be discriminated unambiguously via the Rayleigh backscattering' s time of flight analysis. Therefore, the maximum detection speed, and, via the Nyquist sampling limit, the maximum detectable frequency, is limited by the laser pulse's round trip time of flight.

[0008] Problem 2 - Distance: Conventional methods of DAS rely on Rayleigh scattering. Relative to the power of the launched laser pulse, Rayleigh scattering is orders of magnitude weaker. Additionally, as a light pulse propagates along an optical fiber, the power of the light pulse will attenuate. As a result, at some point along the optical fiber, the already relatively weak power Rayleigh scattering will have a signal to noise ratio that makes the desired acoustic vibration undetectable. Therefore, the length of optical fiber (distance) over which DAS can be used is limited.

[0009] Problem 3 - Sensitivity: Conventional methods of DAS exploit Rayleigh scattering. Relative to the power of the launched laser pulse, Rayleigh scattering is orders of magnitude weaker. As a result, the signal to noise ratio of the sensed acoustic vibration is dominated by optical noise due to for example the frequency noise of the laser pulse, the limited extinction ratio of the laser pulse, optical amplification noise, and detector noise. In turn, the sensitivity of conventional methods of DAS, i.e., the maximum detectable vibration amplitude, is limited, in turn, precluding detection of sensitive phenomena in gas and oil wells, such as, micro-seismic activity.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for distributed acoustic sensing in a multicore optical fiber using distributed mode coupling and delay.

SUMMARY

[001 1] According to an aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber. The system includes a transmitter for simultaneously propagating a sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber using a spatial mode selected from a set of N spatial modes provided by a spatial mode selector for the transmitter that is coupled to an input to the optical fiber, with M and N being respective integers greater than one. The system further includes a receiver for receiving the sequence of M light pulses at an output of the optical fiber and detecting an environmental perturbation in the optical fiber based on an evaluation of a propagation of the sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided for distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber. The method includes simultaneously propagating, by a transmitter, a sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber using a spatial mode selected from a set of N spatial modes provided by a spatial mode selector coupled to an input to the optical fiber, with M and N being respective integers greater than one. The method further includes detecting, by a receiver, an environmental perturbation in the optical fiber based on an evaluation of a propagation of the sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided for distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber. The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a computer to cause the computer to perform a method. The method includes simultaneously propagating, by a transmitter, a sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber using a spatial mode selected from a set of N spatial modes provided by a spatial mode selector coupled to an input to the optical fiber, with M and N being respective integers greater than one. The method further includes detecting, by a receiver, an environmental perturbation in the optical fiber based on an evaluation of a propagation of the sequence of M light pulses through the optical fiber. [0014] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The disclosure will provide details in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for distributed acoustic sensing in a optical fiber using Distributed Mode Coupling and Delay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary method for distributed acoustic sensing in a optical fiber using Distributed Mode Coupling and Delay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an example of Digital Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using a spatial mode selector based on phase mask conversion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 shows an example of Digital Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using a spatial mode selector based on "Fan-In", in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 shows exemplary optical fibers including N spatial modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a Distributed Mode Coupling (DMC) and Distributed Mode Delay (DMD) between spatial modes in a multimode optical fiber including N spatial modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0022] FIG. 7 shows a "tail'V'trace" acquired by the M light pulses due to DMC and DMD between transverse modes in a multimode optical fiber that includes N=2 transverse modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a "tail'V'trace" acquired by M light pulses due to DMC and DMD between 2 cores of an N=2-core optical fiber, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a light pulse at the output of a 2-core optical fiber that was transmitted into the optical fiber input, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 10 shows a spatial mode selector based on a single mode optical fiber splice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 1 1 shows a spatial mode selector based on "Fan-Out", in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 shows tune/frequency domain analysis of the "tails'V'traces" of the M light pulses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 13 shows two light pulses of a sequence of M light pulses at the output of an optical fiber that comprises two spatial modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary processing system to which the present principles may be applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles;

[0030] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU- MIMO) telecommunication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented; and

[0031 ] FIG. 16 shows exemplary implementations of a base station system and a MU- MIMO receiver system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention is directed to distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber using distributed mode coupling and delay. In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be a multimode optical fiber, and in other embodiments the optical fiber can be a multicore optical fiber.

[0033] The problems described above are due to the reliance of conventional methods of DAS on Rayleigh backscattering. The present invention solves the problems described above because the present invention does not rely on Rayleigh backscattering. Instead, in an embodiment, the present invention relies on distributed mode coupling and distributed mode delay.

[0034] The following advantages are provided by the present invention with respect to the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0035] Increased Detection Speed: Because conventional methods of DAS rely on Rayleigh scattering, only one laser pulse can propagate along the optical fiber at any given time. As a result, according to the Nyquist sampling limit, the maximum detectable frequency of an acoustic vibration is proportional to the round trip time of flight of a laser pulse through the optical fiber.

[0036] However, because the present invention does not rely on Rayleigh scattering, multiple laser pulses can simultaneously propagate inside the optical fiber. As will be described below, the number of laser pulses that can simultaneously propagate inside the optical fiber is determined by the differential mode delay between the spatial modes. The differential mode delay between the spatial modes is significantly less than the round trip time of flight of a laser pulse through the optical fiber even when the optical fiber is 10s of meters long. Therefore, the maximum detectable frequency of an acoustic vibration via the present invention can be many orders of magnitude more than conventional methods of DAS. The present invention is a method of DAS whose detection speed can be orders of magnitude more than conventional methods of DAS.

[0037] Increased Distance: Relative to the power of the launched laser pulse, Rayleigh scattering is orders of magnitude weaker. Additionally, as a light pulse propagates along an optical fiber, the power of the light pulse will attenuate. As a result, at some point along the optical fiber, the already relatively weak power Rayleigh scattering will result in an insufficient signal to noise ratio. Therefore, the length of optical fiber (distance) over which DAS can be used is limited.

[0038] However, the present invention does not rely on Rayleigh scattering. The present invention relies on distributed mode coupling. The relative power of mode coupling to the laser pulse is orders of magnitude more than that of Rayleigh scattering. As a result, the signal to noise ratio of the present invention is order of magnitude more than that of conventional methods of DAS. In turn, with the present invention, the length of optical fiber (distance) over which DAS can be used may be orders of magnitude more than that of conventional methods of DAS.

[0039] Increased Sensitivity: Relative to the power of the launched laser pulse, Rayleigh scattering is orders of magnitude weaker. Additionally, as a light pulse propagates along an optical fiber, the power of the light pulse will attenuate. As a result, for a fixed length of optical fiber, the signal to noise ratio of the sensed acoustic vibration is dominated by optical noise due to for example the frequency noise of the laser pulse, the limited extinction ratio of the laser pulse, optical amplification noise, and detector noise. In turn, the sensitivity of conventional methods of DAS, i.e., the maximum detectable vibration amplitude, is limited, in turn, detection of sensitive phenomena in gas and oil wells, such as, micro-seismic activity, is precluded. [0040] However, the present invention does not rely on Rayleigh scattering. The present invention relies on distributed mode coupling. The relative power of mode coupling to the laser pulse is orders of magnitude more than that of Rayleigh scattering. As a result, the signal to noise ratio of the present invention may not be dominated by optical noise due to for example the frequency noise of the laser pulse, the limited extinction ratio of the laser pulse, optical amplification noise, and detector noise. As a result, the present invention is a method of DAS that has far greater sensitivity than conventional methods of DAS.

[0041 ] Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary system for distributed acoustic sensing in a multicore optical fiber using Distributed Mode Coupling and Delay is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The system includes a light source 1 10, a pulse modulator 120, an optical amplifier 130, a spatial mode selector 200, an optical fiber 300 including N spatial modes, a spatial mode selector 400, a phase measurement device 500, and a time/frequency domain analyzer 600. The optical fiber 300 can be a multimode optical fiber or a multicore optical fiber.

[0043] The light source 1 10, pulse modulator 120, optical amplifier, and spatial mode selector 200 can be considered to correspond to a transmitting side or transmitter 2001. The spatial mode selector 400, the phase measurement device 500, and the time/frequency domain analyzer 600 can be considered to correspond to a receiving side or receiver 2002. The optical fiber 300 is the propagation medium.

[0044] The elements of FIG. 1 are described in further detail hereinafter.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary method for distributed acoustic sensing in an optical fiber using Distributed Mode Coupling and Delay is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] At step 100, generate a sequence of M light pulses. [0047] At step 200, transmit the sequence of M light pulse using the spatial mode selector at the optical fiber input.

[0048] At step 300, experience acoustic vibration, by the optical fiber comprising N spatial modes.

[0049] In an embodiment, step 300 includes steps 310, 320, 330, and 340.

[0050] At step 310, perform Distributed Mode Coupling (DMC).

[0051] At step 320, perform Differential Mode Delay (DMD).

[0052] At step 330, acquire "tails'V'traces", by the M light pulses.

[0053] At step 340, change the phases of the M light pulses, by the acoustic vibration.

[0054] At step 400, receive the M light pulses, by the spatial mode selector at the optical fiber input/output.

[0055] At step 500, perform a phase measurement of the M light pulses "tails'V'traces".

[0056] At step 600, perform a time/frequency domain analysis of the M light pulses "tails'V'traces" using distributed sensing of acoustic vibrations along optical fiber.

[0057] A further detailed description will now be given regarding various aspects of the present invention, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Initially, a further description will now be given regarding step 100 of FIG. 2. The description will be made with referring to both FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0059] As noted above, step 100 involves generating M light pulses. However, it is to be appreciated that continuous wave light can also be used when using, for example, well- known optical frequency domain reflectometry methods.

[0060] Step 100 of FIG. 1 involves light source 1 10, pulse modulator 120, and optical amplifier 130. [0061 ] The light source, also referred to as "pulse generator", 1 10 is used to generate light. The light source 1 10 can be any of the following: a coherent laser (diode, solid state, gas, optical fiber, semiconductor, etc.), and so forth.

[0062] The wavelength(s) of the light source 1 10 can be any wavelength(s) that is(are) guided in the optical fiber (e.g. visible, near-infrared, etc.).

[0063] The light source 1 10 can have a narrow wavelength spectrum, i.e., the light source

1 10 includes a relatively small range of wavelengths, or a broad wavelength spectrum, i.e., the light source 1 10 comprises a relatively large range of wavelengths.

[0064] Additionally, the light source's wavelength can be "swept". Also, the light source

1 10 can be coherent or incoherent. Further, the light source 1 10 can be polarized or unpolarized

[0065] The pulse modulator (which can be implemented by the light source/pulse generator) 120 temporally modulates the light source such that it is a sequence of M light pulses. The pulse width and the repetition rate of the light pulses are controlled by the pulse modulator 120. The repetition rate of the light pulses does not have to be the round trip time of flight of one light pulse through an optical fiber. The pulse modulator 120 can be any of the following: (1) Acoustic-Optic Modulator (AOM); (2) Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA); (3) Mach-Zender modulator; (4) Mechanical modulator ("Fan'V'Chopper"); (5) and so forth.

[0066] The optical amplifier 130 is used to amplify the power of the M laser pulses. The optical amplifier can be any of the following: ( 1 ) Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA); (2) Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA); (3) Raman amplification; and (4) so forth.

[0067] The spatial mode selector 200 converts the M light pulses into one spatial mode or a superposition of N spatial modes and then transmits the spatial mode(s) into an optical fiber that supports N spatial modes. The conversion can be performed, for example, using free space optics and/or fiber optics.

[0068] A spatial mode 210 is defined as follows. Spatial modes are propagation states of light being orthogonally discriminated by space and/or polarization that are solutions to a wave equation that describes light propagation in an optical fiber in any coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian, cylindrical, etc.). Spatial modes can be

[0069] (1) transverse modes of a multimode optical fiber such as the following 21 1 :

[0070] (1A) Hermite-Gaussian modes 21 1 -1 ;

[0071 ] (I B) Laguerre-Gaussian modes;

[0072] ( 1 C) "Linearly Polarized" modes;

[0073] (ID) vector modes;

[0074] (IE) so forth;

[0075] (2) cores 212 of a multi-core optical fiber. Each core only comprises the fundamental transverse mode:

[0076] (2 A) cores 212- 1 of a 2-core optical fiber;

[0077] (2B) cores of an N-core optical fiber;

[0078] (3) different transverse modes of different cores of a multi-core optical fiber (each core includes only the fundamental transverse mode or multiple transverse modes):

[0079] (3A) different transverse modes of different cores of a 2-core optical fiber; and [0080] (3B) different transverse modes of different cores of an N-core optical fiber.

[0081 ] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of Digital Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using a spatial mode selector based on phase mask conversion is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0082] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of Digital Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using a spatial mode selector based on "Fan-In" is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to both FIGs. 3 and 4, the examples involve M light pulses 100, a spatial mode selector 200, and an optical fiber 300 including N spatial modes. The spatial mode selector 200 includes spatial modes 210. The spatial mode selector 200 further includes a phase mask 221 in the case of FIG. 3, and further includes a "Fan-In" 202 in the case of FIG. 4. Hence, in the following description, at least the portions relating to the phase-mask conversion 201 , the "Photonic lantern", and the "Core to Core" coupling correspond to FIG. 3, while at least the portions relating to the "Photonic lantern", the "Core to Core" coupling, the "Fan-In", and the laser written waveguide correspond to FIG. 4.

[0084] A "Phase-mask" conversion 201 is performed. The Phase-mask conversion 201 can be explained in the following way. Consider a multimode optical fiber that comprises N=2 transverse modes, i.e., HGo.o and HGi,o. The goal is to convert the sequence of light pulses into the HGi.o mode and transmit them into the optical fiber. First, the sequence of M light pulses is made to propagate in a single mode optical fiber as the fundamental transverse mode (HGo.o). The fundamental transverse mode at the single mode optical fiber output is expanded and collimated by a lens or lenses (collectively and individually denoted by the figure reference numeral 2100) in free space. Then, via propagation through or reflection off of a "phase mask" or "phase masks", the phase and/or amplitude of the expanded and collimated fundamental transverse mode is converted into the phase and/or amplitude of the desired spatial mode (e.g., HGi,o). Then, the resulting spatial mode (HGi,o) is focused into the optical fiber via another lens or lenses. The phase mask can be any of the following: (1) Glass phase plate; (2) Liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator; (3) Digital micro-mirror devices utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical systems; (4) multi plane light convertor; (5) "Meta- material" "q-plate"; and (6) liquid crystal "q-plate".

[0085] A "Photonic lantern" is obtained as follows. The M light pulses propagate in one or more than one single mode optical fiber of an array of N single mode optical fibers. The array of N single mode optical fibers is suitably tapered to a multimode optical fiber. The positions in the array and the core sizes of each of the single mode optical fibers are made such that the propagation of the M light pulses through one or more than one of the single mode optical fibers transforms the M light pulses into one or a superposition of N transverse spatial modes of the multimode optical fiber.

[0086] A "Core to Core" coupling is performed.

[0087] "Fan in" 202 is performed: "Fan in" can be explained in the following way.

Consider a multicore optical fiber that comprises N=2 cores: Core 1 and Core 2 as shown in Figure 3. The goal is to transmit the sequence of M light pulses into Core 1. First, the sequence of M light pulses are made to propagate in a single mode optical fiber as the fundamental transverse mode (HGo.o). To accomplish this, the single mode optical fiber output is tapered to Core 1 of the optical fiber, i.e., it is "fanned in".

[0088] A laser written waveguide can be used.

[0089] Regarding the optical fiber 300 including N spatial modes, using the spatial mode selector, the M laser pulses are coupled into an optical fiber that supports N spatial modes. An optical fiber is defined as having "core" and "cladding" regions that have indices of refraction m and m. n? and m need not be uniform and may be a function of position in the optical fiber.

[0090] A description will now be given regarding optical fibers to which the present invention can be applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, exemplary optical fibers including N spatial modes are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0092] A multi-mode optical fiber 301 including N transverse modes can be used. The multi-mode optical fiber can be, for example, any of the following:

(1 A) multi-mode optical fiber comprising N=2 orN=3 transverse modes (i.e., a "few" mode optical fiber);

(I B) multi-mode optical fiber comprising N transverse modes w/ -50.0 micron core radius; and

(IC) multi-mode optical fiber comprising N transverse modes w/ -62.5 micron core radius.

[0093] A multicore optical fiber 302 includingN cores can be used. The multicore optical fiber can be any of the following:

(2A) multicore optical fiber 302-1 including N=2 cores where each core includes only the fundamental transverse mode;

(2B) multicore optical fiber 302-2 includingN cores where each core includes only the fundamental transverse mode; and

(2C) multicore optical fiber comprising N cores where each core includes only the fundamental transverse mode or more than one transverse mode.

[0094] A multimode or multicore optical fiber can be used that has a circular or non- circular core and index of refraction that varies as a function of position in the optical fiber. The involved geometries can include any of the following:

(3 A) circular core 301 - 1 with step or graded index variation;

(3B) ring core 301-2 with step or graded index variation;

(3C) elliptical core 301-3 with step or graded index variation; and

(3D) so forth.

[0095] A description will now be given regarding Distributed Mode Coupling (DMC) as per step 310 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0096] At least two of the spatial modes of the optical fiber experience distributed mode coupling (DMC). DMC can be defined in the following way:

[0097] Consider an ideal multimode optical fiber that comprises two spatial modes: spatial mode A and spatial mode B. An ideal multimode optical fiber is free from imperfections, i.e., the index of refraction profile, core/cladding size, and core/cladding shape do not vary as a function of position along the optical fiber.

[0098] Consider a light pulse that is launched into the optical fiber as spatial mode A. In this idealization, spatial mode A would not exchange power with spatial mode B as it propagates along the optical fiber. At the optical fiber output, power would be measurable in only spatial mode A.

[0099] However, in practice, an optical fiber is non-ideal and will have imperfections, such as, micro-bending. Moreover, the imperfections can be considered to be distributed along the optical fiber. Therefore, when a light pulse is launched into a non-ideal optical fiber as spatial mode A, as it propagates along the optical fiber it distributively couples power to spatial mode B. At the optical fiber output, power would be measurable in spatial mode A and spatial mode B. The distributive coupling of power from one spatial mode to another in a multimode optical fiber due to optical fiber imperfections is referred to as DMC.

[00100] The ratio of the powers of spatial mode A and spatial mode B due to DMC is referred to as the mode coupling ratio. Since mode coupling is distributive, the spatial mode coupling ratio can be defined per unit length. For example, the spatial mode coupling ratio between two transverse modes per unit length can be—40 dB/km. Note that the mode coupling ratio can be controlled (>-40dB/km or <-40db/km) by engineering the optical fiber's parameters.

[00101] A description will now be given regarding Differential Mode Delay (DMD) as per step 320 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [00102] At least two of the spatial modes of the optical fiber experience differential mode delay (DMD). DMD can be defined in the following way, e.g., with respect to FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, a Distributed Mode Coupling (DMC) and Distributed Mode Delay (DMD) between spatial modes in a multimode optical fiber including N spatial modes is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00103] Consider a non-ideal multimode optical fiber that comprises two spatial modes: spatial mode A and spatial mode B. Consider that a light pulse is launched into the optical fiber input as a superposition of spatial mode A and spatial mode B. In general, the spatial modes of an ideal and non-ideal multimode optical fiber have different group velocities, i.e., spatial mode A and spatial mode B have different group velocities given by v _g A and v _g e, respectively. Due to their different group velocities, when propagating to a position z along the optical fiber, spatial mode A and spatial mode B will arrive at z at different times given by respectively, where β _ξ Α = l/v _g A and ¾s = l/v _g e. The difference in the arrival times of spatial mode A and spatial mode B at a position z is referred to as the DMD.

[00104] As shown in FIG. 6, consider any point along the optical fiber given by z at time t. The length of the optical fiber is z=L. Consider two discrete points along the fiber: z=zi and z=Z2. At zi and zi there is DMC due to imperfections, i.e., power from spatial mode A is exchanged with spatial mode B.

[00105] At z=0 and t=0, a light pulse 621 is launched into the optical fiber as spatial mode A 601A.

[00106] The light pulse 621 propagates to z=zi at Due to an imperfection 2201 at z=zi, there is DMC 601 B, i.e., power from spatial mode A is exchanged with spatial mode B, producing a first new light pulse 622.

[00107] Due to their different group velocities, the original light pulse 621 and the first new light pulse 622 propagate to ζιβ _ε Α, respectively. Due to another imperfection 2202 at z=Z2, there is DMC 601C, i.e., power from spatial mode A is exchanged with spatial mode B, producing a second new light pulse 623.

[00108] Again, due to their different group velocities, the original light pulse 621 , the first new light pulse 622, and the second new light pulse 623 propagate to the optical fiber output

T, = z,p _gA + (L - z,) /¾& · (1)

and

Τ ₂ = Ζ ₂ β _ξ Α + (1 - Ζ2) β _& Β, (2)

[00109] As a result, due to the combination of DMC and DMD, at the optical fiber output, two new light pulses (622 and 623) are produced at zi and z? and arrive at the optical fiber output as spatial mode B at two different times given by 77 and 7 The resulting time delay at the optical fiber output between the two new light pulses is given by the following equation:

ΔΤ= Τ ₂ - T,

where

[001 10] Effectively, the positions zi and z ₂ along the optical fiber can be identified via a time of flight analysis of spatial mode B at the optical fiber output. Note that Afig can be controlled by engineering the optical fiber's parameters.

[001 1 1 ] A further description will now be given regarding step 330 of FIG. 2, with reference to FIGs. 2, 6, and 7. Referring to FIG. 7, a "tail'V'trace" acquired by the M light pulses due to DMC and DMD between transverse modes in a multimode optical fiber that includes N=2 transverse modes is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[001 12] As noted above, step 330 involves acquiring "tails'V'traces", by the M light pulses (due to DMC (step 615A) and DMD (step 615B)).

[001 13] In reality, in contrast to FIG. 6, optical fiber imperfections do not occur at discrete positions z along the optical fiber. Instead, optical fiber imperfections are uniformly distributed along the optical fiber's length, as shown in FIG. 7. While optical fiber imperfections are random, it should be understood that imperfections at different optical fiber positions have the same randomness. As a result, with respect to FIG. 6, due to the combination of DMC and DMD, when launching a light pulse into the optical fiber as spatial mode A, at the optical fiber output, in the time domain, spatial mode B will comprise a "trail'V'trace" of light pulses produced continuously. The "trail" or "trace" is analogous to the "time trace" of an OTDR measurement.

[001 14] The "trail'V'trace" that each of the M light pulses acquires can be explained by using an example of a multimode optical fiber that comprises N=2 transverse modes: HGo.o and HGi,o, as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7 with respect to reference numeral 700A, when a light pulse is transmitted at the optical fiber input as the HGi.o mode, at the optical fiber output, because there are imperfections 2203 at every point z along the optical fiber, and therefore the combination of DMC and DMD at every point z along the optical fiber, in the time domain, the light pulse will acquire a "trail" / "trace" of light pulses that are the HGo.o mode. As shown in FIG. 7 with respect to reference numeral 700B, when transmitting a sequence of M light pulses at the optical fiber input, each light pulse will acquire a

"trail'V'trace" of light pulses. The first light pulse of the "trail'V'trace" corresponds to the beginning of the optical fiber (z=0). The last light pulse of the "trail'V'trace" corresponds to the end of the optical fiber (z=L), i.e., the duration of the "trail'V'trace" in the time domain corresponds the total length of the optical fiber in the space domain. In turn, each position z of the optical fiber can be discriminated via a time domain analysis of each "trail'V'trace" of each of the M light pulses that are transmitted into the optical fiber.

[001 15] The "trail'V'trace" that each of the M light pulses acquires can be explained by using an example of a 2-core optical fiber that includes core 1 and core 2, as shown in FIG. 8. That is, FIG. 8 shows a "taiPV'trace" acquired by M light pulses due to DMC and DMD between 2 cores of an N=2-core optical fiber, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the top portion of FIG. 8, when a light pulse is transmitted at the optical fiber input into core 1 , at the optical fiber output, because there are imperfections 2203 at every point z along the optical fiber, and therefore the combination of DMC and DMD at every point z along the optical fiber, in the time domain, the light pulse will acquire a "trail'Vtrace" of light pulses in core 2. As shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 8, when transmitting a sequence of M light pulses at the optical fiber input in core 1 , a "trail'Vtrace" of light pulses will be generated in core 2. The first light pulse of the "trail'Vtrace" corresponds to the beginning of the optical fiber (z=0). The last light pulse of the

"traiPV'trace" corresponds to the end of the optical fiber (z=L), i.e., the duration of the "trail'Vtrace" in the time domain corresponds the total length of the optical fiber in the space domain. In turn, each position z of the optical fiber can be discriminated via a time domain analysis of each "trail'Vtrace" of each of the M light pulses that are transmitted into the optical fiber.

[001 16] In practice, an optical fiber's imperfections that cause the combination of DMC and DMD may not have an acceptable mode coupling ratio and/or continuity. However, it is possible to purposefully create optical fiber imperfections either at random or discrete, i.e., with controlled periodicity, positions z along the optical fiber's length during or after the optical fiber's fabrication., for example, via Bragg gratings, "offset" splices, point defects, core-less sections, etc.

[001 17] A further description will now be given regarding step 340 of FIG. 2, with reference to FIGs. 2 and 9.

[001 18] As noted above, step 340 involves acoustic vibration changing the phases of the M light pulses. [001 19] Acoustic vibrations that make physical contact at any position(s) z along the optical fiber. The acoustic vibrations change the phases of the light pulses comprising the

"tails'V'traces" of each of the light pulses in the sequence of M light pulses.

[00120] For example, consider FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows a light pulse at the output of a 2-core optical fiber that was transmitted into the optical fiber input, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Due to DMC and DMD, in turn, due to continuous imperfections along the optical fiber's length z, the light pulse acquires a "tail" / "trace". As shown in FIG. 9, acoustic vibrations 2901 make physical contact with the optical fiber at z=zi and z=z2. Due to the acoustic vibrations 2901 , the phases of each of the light pulses in the sequence of M light pulses will change in response to the acoustic vibrations 2901. Because the acoustic vibrations 2901 vary as a function of time, the phases of the each light pulses in the sequence of M light pulses will vary as a function of time In general, the phase acquired by a light pulse in the sequence of M light pulses due to an acoustic vibration is given by </>(t).

[00121] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, because the light pulse at time ¾ in the "tail"/ "trace" was generated at z=Z2, it "sees" the acoustic vibration at z=z2 and acquires a phase given by φ2(ΐ). In contrast, because the light pulse at time in the "taiPV'trace" was generated at z=zi, it propagates through z=z/ and z=Z2. As a result, it "sees" the acoustic vibrations at z=zi and z=z2 and acquires a phase given by given by φ2(ί)+φ/(ί). Note that the phase acquired by light at any time in the "taiPV'trace" is a sum of the phases it acquired at all corresponding positions along the optical fiber preceding that time.

[00122] The optical fiber can make direct physical contact with the acoustic perturbation or the acoustic vibration or the acoustic vibration can be transferred to the optical fiber via an intermediate medium or device.

[00123] Any other environmental perturbation can make physical contact at any position(s) z along the optical fiber. An environmental perturbation can be any of the following: (1) acoustic vibration; (2) temperature change; (3) strain/pressure change; (4) non-acoustic vibration; and (5) optical fiber bending

[00124] The optical fiber that experiences an environmental perturbation can be placed inside of, attached to the surface of, or in proximity to any of the following: (1) bridges; (2) tunnels; (3) railroads; (4) buildings; (5) roads, highways, streets, and sidewalks; (6) oil/gas wells terrestrial, sub-terrestrial, or under-sea; (7) borders, fences, gates, walls; (8) pipelines terrestrial, sub-terrestrial, or under-sea; (9) data transmission cables terrestrial, sub-terrestrial, or under-sea; (10) electrical transmission cables terrestrial, sub-terrestrial, or under-sea; (1 1) electrical generators, turbines, motors; and (12) so forth.

[00125] A further description will now be given regarding step 400 of FIG. 2.

[00126] As noted above, step 400 involves receiving the M light pulses, by the spatial mode selector at the optical fiber input/output.

[00127] The sequence of M light pulses are "spatially filtered" to be one spatial mode or a superposition of N spatial modes using a spatial mode selector. Effectively, the

"tails'V'traces" of the M light pulses, which are at least one spatial mode, can be "spatially filtered" from the original M light pulses.

[00128] The spatial mode selector "spatially filters" the sequence of M light pulses into one spatial mode or a superposition of N spatial modes using free space optic or fiber optics or a combination of free space optics and fiber optics. The spatial mode converter can be any of the following.

[00129] (1) "Phase-mask" conversion: Phase-mask conversion can be explained in the following way. Consider a multimode optical fiber that comprises N=2 transverse modes, i.e., HGo.o and HGi,o. The goal is to "spatially filter" the sequence of M light pulses into the HGo.o mode at the optical fiber output. At the optical fiber output, the light is expanded and collimated by a lens or lenses in free space. Then, the light is made to propagate through or reflect off of a "phase mask" or "phase masks" displays the phase and/or amplitude of the HG mode (HGo.o) that is to be spatially filtered. Then, the light is focused into a single mode optical fiber via another lens or lenses. Via focusing into the single mode optical fiber, the light is "spatially filtered" in the HGo.o modes. The phase mask can be any of the following: ( 1 A) glass phase plate; (I B) liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator; (1C) digital micro-mirror devices utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical systems; (I D) multi-plane light converter; (I E) "Meta-material" "q-plate"; and (IF) liquid crystal "q-plate".

[00130] (2) "Photonic lantern": The optical fiber is suitably tapered to an array of N single mode optical fibers. The M light pulses propagate in one or more than one single mode optical fiber of an array of N single mode optical fibers. The positions in the array and the core sizes of each of the single mode optical fibers are made such that the propagation of the M light pulses through one or more than one of the single mode optical fibers transforms the M light pulses into one or a superposition of N transverse spatial modes at the output of one or more than one the single mode optical fiber.

[00131 ] (3) "Core to Core" coupling.

[00132] (4) Single mode optical fiber splice 401.

[00133] As shown in FIG. 10, consider a multimode optical fiber comprising N=2 HG modes: HGo,o and HGi,o. In particular, FIG. 10 shows a spatial mode selector 400 based on "Fan-Out", in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A sequence of M light pulses is transmitted into the optical fiber as HGi.o. Due to the combination of DMC and DMD, each light pulse of the sequence of M light pulses acquires a "tail" / "trace" propagating as HGo.o. The goal is to "spatially filter" at the optical fiber output the sequence of M light pulses to be the HGo.o mode. ). To accomplish this, a single mode optical fiber is spliced 401 on axis to the multimode optical fiber at its output. As a result, only the HGo.o mode propagates into the single mode optical fiber. In turn, only the "tails'V'traces" of each light pulse of the sequence of M light pulses propagate into the single mode optical fiber.

[00134] (5) "Fan out" 402: "Fan out" can be explained in the following way:

[00135] Consider a multicore optical fiber that comprises N=2 cores: Core 1 and Core 2 as shown in FIG. 1 1. That is, FIG. 1 1 shows a spatial mode selector 400 based on "Fan-Out" 402, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Consider one light pulse of the sequence of M light pulses that were transmitted into Core 1. Due to the combination of mode DMC and DMD, a "trail"/ "trace" of light pulses is generated in Core 2. At the optical fiber output, the goal is to "spatially filter" the light from Core 2. To accomplish this, a single mode optical fiber output is tapered to Core 2 of the optical fiber, i.e., it is "fanned in". As a result, only the "tail"/"trace" propagate into the single mode optical fiber. The original light pulse is suppressed.

[00136] (6) A laser written waveguide can be used.

[00137] (7) A mirror 403 can also be placed at the output of the optical fiber including N spatial modes such that the sequence of M light pulses that acquired the "tails'/"traces" will be reflected back to the optical fiber input. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a sequence of

M light pulses is transmitted via a "Fan-In" to core 1 of a 2-core optical fiber. The M light pulses acquire "tails'V'traces" propagating in core 2. The "tails'Vtraces" are reflected back to the optical fiber using a mirror that is placed at the optical fiber output. At the optical fiber input, a "fan out" is used to "spatially filter" the "tails'V'traces".

[00138] A further description will now be given regarding step 500 of FIG. 2.

[00139] As noted above, step 500 involves performing a phase measurement of the M light pulses "tails'V'traces". [00140] After the spatial mode selector, the phases of the A light pulses' "tails'V'traces" are measured. The phases can be measured by any method that can effectively measure the phase of light. This includes any of the following:

(1 ) Homodyne interferometry with self-interference, i.e., the light is interfered with a time- delayed version of itself.

(2) Heterodyne interferometry with self-interference, i.e., the light is interfered with a time delayed and frequency shifted version of itself.

(3) Homodyne or heterodyne interferometry with a local oscillator, i.e., the light interfered with another light source.

[00141 ] The phases can be determined by comparison with another light source or by comparison with another light pulse of the "tail'V'trace". For example, the measured phases of the light pulses of an experimentally measured "taiPV'trace" is shown in plot 1200A of

FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows tune/frequency domain analysis of the "tails'V'traces" of the M light pulses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00142] A further description will now be given regarding step 600 of FIG. 2.

[00143] As noted above, step 600 involves performing a time/frequency domain analysis of the M light pulses "tails'V'traces" using distributed sensing of acoustic vibrations along optical fiber.

[00144] The M light pulses are analyzed in the time/frequency domain. For example, consider FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows two light pulses of a sequence of M light pulses at the output of an optical fiber that comprises two spatial modes: spatial mode A and spatial mode B. At the optical fiber input, the sequence of M light pulses was transmitted as spatial mode A. Due to DMC and DMD, a "trail'V'tail" of light pulses for each light pulse of the sequence of M light pulses was generated as spatial mode B. [00145] As described above, due to DMC and DMD, each light pulse of the "trail'V'tail" of light pulses correspond to a position z along the optical fiber.

[00146] The maximum resolution between to positions z along the optical fiber is explained as follows. A light pulse must acquire a DMD at least equal to the value of its pulse width rso that it can be unambiguously discriminated from an adjacent light pulse in time (i.e. they do not overlap). The pulse width r is a value of time. In turn, the pulse width τ corresponds to a light pulse propagating a distance Ό= τ/β . Because, a light pulse must acquire a DMD at least equal to the value its pulse width rso that it can be unambiguously discriminated from an adjacent light pulse in time (i.e., they do not overlap) and because each light pulse of the "trail'V'tail" of light pulses correspond to a position z along the optical fiber, the maximum resolution between two position z along the optical fiber is given by the Ό= τ/β . Therefore, the DMD and the pulse width τ determine the resolution between two positions z along the optical fiber.

[00147] Furthermore, the repetition rate of the sequence of M pulses, i.e., the time between each pulse in the sequence, must be larger than the time of flight a light pulse as spatial mode A or spatial mode B so that the "tail'V'trace" of each light pulse can be unambiguously discriminated, i.e., it does not overlap with an adjacent "tail"/"trace". Because the time of flight a light pulse as spatial mode A or spatial mode B is given by LfigA and

L _G B, respectively, the repetition rate of the sequence of M pulses, i.e., the time between each pulse in the sequence, must be larger than time difference between the delay at the optical fiber output of the original light pulse, LfigA, and that of the last light pulse in the

"tail'V'trace", L _g e, i.e., t ₂ - > L&A - L _gB .

[00148] When an acoustic vibrations makes physical contact with the optical fiber at z=zi and z=z2 the phases of the each light pulses in the sequence of M light pulses will change in response to the acoustic vibrations. Because the acoustic vibration varies as a function of time, the phases of the each light pulses in the sequence of M light pulses will vary as a function of time /. In general, the phase acquired by a light pulse in the sequence of M light pulses due to an acoustic vibration is given by φ(ί).

[00149] For example, referring to FIG. 12, because the light pulse at time t2 in the

"tairV'trace" was generated at z=¾, it "sees" the acoustic vibration at z=Z2 and acquires a phase given by </>2(t). In contrast, because the light pulse at time t\ in the "tail"/ "trace" was generated at z=z/, it propagates through z=z _/ and z=Z2. As a result, it "sees" the acoustic vibrations at z=zy and z=Z2 and acquires a phase given by given by φ2(ί)+φ/(ί). Note that the phase acquired by light at any time in the "tail"/ "trace" is a sum of the phases it acquired at all corresponding positions along the optical fiber preceding that time.

[00150] Because a given light pulse of the "tail"/ "trace" corresponds to a position z along the optical fiber, and because the light pulse's phase will change when the optical fiber experiences an acoustic vibration, the change of that light pulse's phase in time can used to determine the signal of the acoustic vibration, i.e., the acoustic vibration's amplitude and frequency. For example, the measured change in time of the phase of one light pulse of an experimentally measured "tail'V'trace" is shown in plot 1200B of FIG. 12.

[00151 ] The time dependent phase change of the light pulse can be analyzed via a time/frequency domain analysis. A time/frequency domain analysis comprises an analysis of the measured phases of the light pulses in the "tail'V'trace" corresponding to a position z for every sequential light pulse in the sequence of M light pulses, e.g., as shown in FIG. 10, analyzing the phase of the light pulses at times t + t2 - ti and t for the light pulse

corresponding to position z? for light pulse 2 and light pulse 1, respectively, A time/frequency domain analysis can include any method with which a time-periodic signal (frequency) can be identified from the time dependent phase change of the light pulse. This includes, a Fourier transform, or any comparable mathematical methods. [00152] Note that well-known "optical frequency domain reflectometry" (OFDR) methods can also be used.

[00153] Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary processing system 1400 to which the present principles may be applied is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. The processing system 1400 includes at least one processor (CPU) 1404 operative ly coupled to other components via a system bus 1402. A cache 1406, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1408, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1410, an input/output (I/O) adapter 1420, a sound adapter 1430, a network adapter 1440, a user interface adapter 1450, and a display adapter 1460, are operatively coupled to the system bus 1402.

[001 4] A first storage device 1422 and a second storage device 1424 are operatively coupled to system bus 1402 by the I/O adapter 1420. The storage devices 1422 and 1424 can be any of a disk storage device (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk storage device), a solid state magnetic device, and so forth. The storage devices 1422 and 1424 can be the same type of storage device or different types of storage devices.

[00155] A speaker 1432 is operatively coupled to system bus 1402 by the sound adapter 1430. A transceiver 1442 is operatively coupled to system bus 1402 by network adapter 1440. A display device 1462 is operatively coupled to system bus 1402 by display adapter 1460.

[00156] A first user input device 1452, a second user input device 1454, and a third user input device 1456 are operatively coupled to system bus 1402 by user interface adapter 1450. The user input devices 1452, 1454, and 1456 can be any of a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, an image capture device, a motion sensing device, a microphone, a device incorporating the functionality of at least two of the preceding devices, and so forth. Of course, other types of input devices can also be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present principles. The user input devices 1452, 1454, and 1456 can be the same type of user input device or different types of user input devices. The user input devices 1452, 1454, and 1456 are used to input and output information to and from system 1400.

[00157] Of course, the processing system 1400 may also include other elements (not shown), as readily contemplated by one of skill in the art, as well as omit certain elements. For example, various other input devices and/or output devices can be included in processing system 1400, depending upon the particular implementation of the same, as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, various types of wireless and/or wired input and/or output devices can be used. Moreover, additional processors, controllers, memories, and so forth, in various configurations can also be utilized as readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. These and other variations of the processing system 1400 are readily contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art given the teachings of the present principles provided herein.

[00158] Moreover, it is to be appreciated that system 1500 described below with respect to FIG. 15 is a system for implementing respective embodiments of the present principles. Part or all of processing system 1400 may be implemented in one or more of the elements of system 1500.

[00159] Further, it is to be appreciated that processing system 1400 may perform at least part of the method described herein including, for example, at least part of the method of FIG. 2. Similarly, part or all of system 1500 may be used to perform at least part of the method of FIG. 2.

[00160] Referring to FIG. 15, an exemplary Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) telecommunication system 1500 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is shown. In the downlink of system 1500, multiple scheduled users (UEs) 1502 in a cell 1506 are simultaneously served by a base station (BS) 1504. In the MU-MIMO downlink from the BS 1504, each user is served a data stream in accordance with a schedule determined by the present invention. For example, the schedule can be determined based on maximizing a difference between two submodular set functions applied over a ground set of virtual users, as further described herein below. In this way, gains can be achieved over prior art scheduling approaches while maintaining reasonable complexity.

[00161] Referring to FIG. 16, with continuing reference to FIG. 15, exemplary

implementations of a base station system 1504 and a MU-MIMO receiver system 1502 are shown. The base station 1504 may include a scheduler 1604 and a processor 1606, while the user 1502 can include processor 1610. The processor 1606 and processor 1610 can use respective storage mediums provided in the base station 1504 and receiver 1502. In addition, the base station 1504 and the receiver 1502 can include transmitters/receivers 1608 and 1612, respectively, for the transmission and reception of control signals. The user 1502 can transmit control signals to the base station 1504 on one or more uplink control channels 1602 and the base station 1504 can transmit control signals to the user 1502 on one or more downlink control channels 1605.

[00162] A description will now be given regarding some of the many attendant competitive values/advantages of the present invention over the prior art.

[00163] While some prior art (increasing power, Raman amplification, etc.) can address the problems of DAS described above, i.e., detection speed, distance, and sensitivity, such prior art relies on Rayleigh backscattering. The fundamental limits of conventional methods of DAS are dictated by Rayleigh scattering, i.e., only one laser pulse can propagate in the optical fiber at any time and the power of Rayleigh scattering is significantly weaker than that of the laser pulse. As a result, such prior art can only marginally improve conventional methods of DAS as they do not remove the fundamental limits; they merely "push" the limits a little bit further. [00164] In contrast, this invention is a method of DAS that does not rely on Rayleigh backscattering. As a result, the fundamental limitations imposed by conventional methods of DAS that rely on Rayleigh scattering are removed. This invention relies on different physical phenomena, i.e., distributed mode coupling and distributed mode delay. The fundamental limits associated with distributed mode coupling and distributed mode delay are order of magnitude higher than those of conventional methods of DAS that rely on Rayleigh scattering. With this invention, oil/gas pipelines/well can be monitored with order of magnitude increased detection Speed, Increased Distance, and Increased Sensitivity.

[00165] The competitive/commercial value of this invention is that, due to its reliance on distributed mode coupling and distributed mode delay instead of Rayleigh scattering, not only can this invention compete with existing applications of DAS, it can also be used in new application spaces where conventional methods of DAS cannot.

[00166] Embodiments described herein may be entirely hardware, entirely software or including both hardware and software elements. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

[00167] Embodiments may include a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer readable medium may include any apparatus that stores, communicates, propagates, or transports the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be magnetic, optical, electronic, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. The medium may include a computer-readable medium such as a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk, etc.

[00168] It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following "/", "and/or", and "at least one of, for example, in the cases of "A/B", "A and/or B" and "at least one of A and B", is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of both options (A and B). As a further example, in the cases of "A, B, and/or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C", such phrasing is intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of the third listed option (C) only, or the selection of the first and the second listed options (A and B) only, or the selection of the first and third listed options (A and C) only, or the selection of the second and third listed options (B and C) only, or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). This may be extended, as readily apparent by one of ordinary skill in this and related arts, for as many items listed.

[00169] Having described preferred embodiments of a system and method (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.