Method of making optical devices
US5031300A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49982
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A fiber optic coupler is formed by providing a glass tube having a longitudinal aperture extending therethrough. Glass optical fibers, each having a core, cladding and coating are disposed within the longitudinal aperture, the fibers extending beyond each end thereof. The coating is removed from that portion of the fibers in the midregion of the tube. The midregion of the tube is heated, collapsed about the fibers, and drawn to reduce the diameter thereof over a predetermined length. The fibers that are used in the process of making the coupler are initially provided with a coating that is too thin to provide good handleability and strength. However, the thin initial coating enables the use of a tube having a small aperture and thereby enhances the tube collapse step. After the coupler is formed, the fibers extending therefrom are overcoated. The process can be used to make other kinds of optical devices including integrated optical components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.