Parallel data transmission through segmented waveguides of large diameter

The present invention relates generally to fiber optic rotary joints, and more particularly, to a fiber optic rotary joint that can receive multiple different signals during rotation of the rotor. Even more particularly, the present application relates to parallel data transmission through segmented waveguides of large diameter. The present invention is directed to a fiber optic rotary joint comprised of multiple segmented waveguides. Each of the multiple segmented waveguides is located on the stator. The segmented waveguides are circumferentially spaced from each other. Spaces between the segmented waveguides are non-reflective. Each of the segmented waveguides has an optical pickup. There are a plurality of optical transmitters located on the rotor. In the preferred embodiment there are sixteen transmitters with eight transmitters transmitting at one time and eight transmitters turned off at that time.