Method and apparatus for precisely positioning microlenses on optical fibers
US4818263A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B19/226
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microlens is precisely positioned on the end of an optical fiber by urging the fiber against a moving abrasive lap at a desired angle and simultaneously turning the fiber end, either continuously or in discrete steps. The turning causes the fiber end to contact the abrasive at points all around its periphery, thereby removing material equally from all sides of the fiber and producing a precise lens form. The pressure with which the fiber end is urged against the abrasive is maintained substantially constant by spring action of the fiber. The resulting conical lens is centered on the fiber by action of friction forces which constrain the fiber to rotate in a fixed position despite the fiber's freedom of movement within a guide tube. The invention repeatably provides optically accurate lenses of a variety of conifurgations centered to within one micron on fibers of all types, including polarization-preserving fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.