Method for drawing fiber optic coupler
US4704151A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1985 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B37/014
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A low loss fiber optic coupler is fabricated by forming a coupler preform having a plurality of spaced glass cores extending longitudinally through a matrix of glass having a refractive index lower than that of the cores. The coupler preform is heated and stretched by first pulling means to form a glass rod which is drawn by second pulling means past an intermittant source of localized heat. When the localized heat source is turned on, the second pulling means draws the rod downwardly at a rate faster than the first pulling means. Since the rod is softened by the localized heat source, a necked-down coupling region is formed. The rod is severed to form a plurality of coupler units. When an end of a unit is immersed in acid, the matrix glass dissolves, thereby leaving the unit cores and surrounding etch-resistant cladding glass protruding from the newly formed endface of the unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.