Multi-path optical fiber and electro-optic transducer connector
US5050953A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4251
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multiple path electro-optic transducer comprises a plurality of electro-optic elements arranged in an array in a device package with electrical connections thereto. A lens tube having a lens, such as a graded index (GRIN) lens, therein is supported so that an axis of the lens is perpendicular to and aligned with the array and so that the array is imaged by the lens in a plane of an outer end of the lens tube. An optical fiber connector comprises a ferrule having a bore therein and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the bore in an array corresponding to the array of electro-optic elements, the ferrule and fibers being positioned, by a cylindrical sleeve over the lens tube and ferrule, so that ends of the fibers lie in the plane of the outer end of the lens tube whereby light emitted by each of the electro-optic element is focused by the lens onto a respective one of the fibers. A mechanical coupling is provided by a bayonet connection between the optical fiber connector and the device package.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.