Method of making low loss fiber optic coupler
US4799949A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B2203/34
- 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 preform is heated and stretched to form a glass rod which is then severed into a plurality of units. Heat is applied to the central region of each unit while the ends of the unit are pulled apart to elongate and taper inwardly the heated central region, whereby the cores of the unit are more closely spaced and are of smaller diameter at the central region than they are at the ends of the unit. The unit is then provided with a plurality of optical fibers, one of which extends from each of the cores at the endfaces of the unit. A preferred method of providing the optical fibers involves forming the coupler preform of a matrix glass that is easily dissolved in a solvent. Each of the fiber cores within the matrix is surrounded by a layer of cladding glass that is relatively resistant to dissolving by the solvent. When an end of the unit is immersed in the solvent, the matrix glass dissolves, thereby leaving the unit cores and surrounding solvent-resistant cladding…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.