Fiber optic coupler and method for making same
US4997247A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2856
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic coupler has at least two optical fibers each having a core with a cladding material disposed thereabout. The fibers, in a limited length coupling region, have the cladding material removed and the core exposed, the thickness of the cladding material increasing is smooth transition from immediately adjacent the exposed core in the limited length coupling region. The fibers in the limited length coupling region are joined by coalescing. In preferred embodiments, in the limited length coupling region, a portion of the core is removed, the core diameter in the coupling region being less than the core diameter in regions adjacent thereto, the outer diameter of the core decreasing in smooth transition from immediately adjacent the cladding material. A method and product of forming these couplers or others with the fibers in crossed relationship are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.