Fiber optic modal coupler, interferometer and method of coupling spatial modes using same
US4768851A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S359/90
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A modal coupler, for coupling between first and second order modes of an optical fiber, comprises a single continuous strand of optical fiber, and a device for applying stress to the optical fiber at spaced intervals along the fiber. The stress deforms the fiber and abruptly changes the fiber geometry at the beginning and end of each stressed region. The change in fiber geometry causes coupling of light from the fundamental mode to the second order mode. The coupler, under certain conditions, exhibits polarization dependence, and thus, it may be utilized as a fiber optic polarizer. In addition, the device couples coherently, and may be used in interferometric systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.