Fiber optic connector and associated method for establishing an optical connection with an optical fiber embedded within a composite structure
US6035084A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic connector for establishing an optical connection with an optical fiber embedded within a composite structure is provided. The fiber optic connector includes a first lens element, such as a metal sheathed graded index (GRIN) lens, that is attached to the portion of the edge surface of the composite structure to which the optical fiber extends. The fiber optic connector also includes an alignment tube and a second optical fiber, external to the composite structure, having an end portion disposed within one end of the alignment tube. By sliding the other end of the alignment tube over the first lens element, optical communication is established between the first optical fiber embedded within the composite structure and the second optical fiber external to the composite structure. The fiber optic connector also typically includes a ferrule mounted upon the end portion of the second optical fiber and inserted at least partially into one end of the alignment tube. In order to effectively couple the optical signals between the embedded optical fiber and the external optical fiber, the fiber optic connector also generally includes a second lens element, such as a second GRIN …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.