Optical fiber with cladding-embedded light-converging structure for lateral optical coupling
US10725244B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/34
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical coupling techniques between an optical fiber and another optical device, such as a planar optical waveguide, or a probed region are disclosed. An optical fiber for lateral optical coupling includes a cladding, a core disposed in the cladding, a reflecting structure inclined relative to the fiber axis, and a light-converging structure embedded in the cladding. The reflecting structure is configured to reflect light between the core and a lateral coupling path extending and providing lateral optical coupling between the core and an exterior of the fiber. The cladding-embedded light-converging structure is configured to intercept and converge light traveling along the lateral coupling path. In some implementations, the optical fiber is a fiber-optic transition coupled between a main optical fiber and another optical device or a probed region. A coupled optical system including an optical fiber coupled to another optical device is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.