Axially-graded index-based couplers
US5815318A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical coupler is provided that comprises one lens component, comprising at least one axially-graded index of refraction element. When the optical coupler component includes one axially-graded index of refraction element, a homogeneous "boot" element is cemented on entrance surface to provide plano-plano coupling. When the optical coupler includes two or more axially-graded index of refraction elements, both entrance and exit surfaces are planar. The optical coupler component may be sized to provide focusing at its exit surface. The axially graded index-based couplers of the present invention comprise a single component, thereby reducing the number of components and the concomitant complexity of the optical system. Further, many of these couplers can be fabricated with plano-plano entrance-exit surfaces, thereby obviating the need for forming curved focusing surfaces and thus avoiding the introduction of air spaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.