Fabrication of collimators employing optical fibers fusion-spliced to optical elements of substantially larger cross-sectional areas
US6360039B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4204
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.