Optical focusing, collimating and coupling systems for use with single mode optical fiber
US6263133A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/381
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Coupling devices for coupling a lens to a single mode optical fiber are disclosed. In one aspect, a lens alignment assembly is the coupling device and includes a single mode optical fiber, a lens, and a locating tube. The locating tube includes a hollow bore having an internal diameter such that the lens and single mode optical fiber are held in a tight, sliding fit within the locating tube. In another aspect, the device includes a single mode optical fiber located adjacent to a cylindrically shaped lens. The lens includes an angled facet having a reflective surface for directing light normal, or near normal, to the optical axis. The lens further includes a flat surface opposite the angle facet. The lens and single mode optical fiber are rotatable to scan a region of a biological surface. In another aspect, a rotatable optical fiber coupler includes a receptacle, a single mode optical fiber, and a GRIN rod lens having a portion thereof ground and polished such that the rod lens forms a tight, sliding fit within the receptacle. The rod lens, single mode optical fiber, and receptacle are all concentrically aligned with the optical axis. In still another aspect, the rotatable optical …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.