Patent · US Expired

Laser-fiber positioning method

US4679908A · kind A · utility

37Cited by
4References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 12, 1985
Grant dateJul 14, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 12, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4239
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

To position a light output device such as a laser diode relative to a light input device such as a waveguide so as to obtain maximum coupling of light, light is launched into one end of the fiber and is detected at a remote part of the fiber where a corresponding electrical signal is generated. Positional information contained in the signal is used to reduce misalignment between the waveguide and laser by manipulating a positioner attached to the fiber. Since there is usually some slight movement of the fiber as an anchoring epoxy bead cures, it is necessary to move the fiber within the curing epoxy and it is advantageous if the position at which the positioner contacts the fiber is at the same site as the epoxy bead. By the invention, the positioner is attached to the fiber using a wax or similar material so that as the epoxy cures, it does not cure in contact with the positioner. When the epoxy is fully cured, the wax is melted and the positioner withdrawn.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.