Fiber optical coupler fabrication and system
US6385372B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2938
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method for producing a stable, multi-port fiber optic coupler that is useful for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). The system response is substantially independent of signal polarization and is reasonably stable against mechanical stresses and elevated temperatures. Contiguous sections of two or more fiber optic lines are alternatingly heated and elongated and are twisted according to selected process parameters for selected time intervals. The fabrication procedure uses a combination of fiber heating at two or more distinct temperatures, fiber elongation and fiber twisting, applied to two or more contiguous fiber optic lines, to produce a fused fiber optic coupler with controllable wavelength discrimination and controllable signal power coupling into each output branch of the fiber optic coupler. ITU standards for wavelength discrimination and wavelength centering in a fiber optic coupler can be met by adjustment of the process parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.