Infrared optical fiber coupler
US5949935A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/102
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An infrared fiber optic coupler and a method for making an infrared fiber optic coupler are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: braiding first and second infrared transmitting glass fibers to form first and second arms of the infrared fiber optic coupler; inserting the braided first and second infrared transmitting glass fibers through a furnace; securing the braided glass fibers by two clamping mechanisms on first and second sides of the furnace; purging the furnace of water vapor and oxygen with a steady flow of inert gas through the furnace; allowing infrared light to pass through one of the first and second arms of the coupler; detecting the infrared signals from the first and second arms of the coupler in first and second infrared detectors; comparing the detected signals to develop a coupling ratio between the first and second arms of the coupler; turning the furnace on to heat the first and second braided glass fibers to the point where the glass fibers begin to darken in color; translating the second clamping mechanism to produce a tautness on the first and second braided glass fibers until the desired coupling ratio has been achieved; turning the furnace off; mai…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.