Method and apparatus for aligning optical fibers
US4500165A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1982 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4225
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The alignment of optical fibers is improved by mounting the optical fiber on a mounting block that has a sloping surface relative to an underlying support that bears both the fiber and a light source or photodetector. As a result, the alignment of the fiber and the light source or photodetector may be maintained in the vertical direction by the correct position of the fiber on the sloping surface of the mounting block. The alignment of the fiber in the horizontal direction is determined by the position of the mounting block on the support. Such an arrangement permits the weight of the fiber to be supported by the block while an appropriate cement is being cured to hold the fiber and block in place. Advantageously the mounting block is transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light and UV curable cements are used to secure the fiber to the mounting block and the block to the support. As a result, when the fiber is aligned both vertically and horizontally, it can be cemented into position quickly by applying cement to secure the fiber to the block and the block to its support and curing all the cement simultaneously by passing UV light through the transparent block.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.