Dispersion-controlled polymers for broadband fiber optic devices
US6191224A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24124
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 nm and and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber. Variable optical attenuators, switches, and couplers can be designed which incorporate the polymer compositions. The invention is particularly useful in the 1500-1600 nm wavelength band.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.