Method of aligning birefringent optical fibers
US5850495A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4216
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of aligning a bi-refringent optical fiber with a polarisation sensitive component positioned within a package so that the bi-refrigence axes of the fiber are set in a pre-defined relation to a light guide within the component. The fiber is inserted through an aperture in the package and is approximately aligned with the light guide of the component. An optical probe having a tip provided with an optical polariser is positioned with the tip between the end of the fiber and the component, to collect light from the fiber. The free end of the fiber is manipulated and the output from the probe is monitored until the desired polarisation alignment is achieved whereafter the probe is removed from the package whilst the rotational relationship between the fiber and the component is maintained. Then, the fiber end is moved to optically couple wish the component and the fiber is secured in position. The package may thereafter be completed in the usual way.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.