Light source modifications for plastic light fibre compatibility
US5513291A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4298
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for coupling a light beam from a light source to a light fibre with reduced heating of the light fibre. The light source has a lamp, a condenser lens, and a dichroic infra-red filter disposed along an optical axis between the lamp and the light fibre. The apparatus is adapted for operation with plastic light fibres that have a softening temperature of less than 100 degrees Celsius. The apparatus comprises light fibre connector that secures the light fibre on the optical axis. A non-visible radiation filter is located on the optical axis in a broad part of the light beam between the dichroic filter and the light fibre and reduces non-visible radiation energy remaining in the light beam following the dichroic filter. A beam restrictor is located on the optical axis adjacent to, and thermally isolated from, the light fibre connector. The beam restrictor restricts the light beam to an extent approximately equal to the extent of the light fibre and minimizes the amount of the light beam falling on the light fibre connector. This minimizes heating of the light fibre connector by the light falling on the light fibre connector. Finally, the apparatus includes an element that tran…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.