Optical feedthrough and method of making same
US6427046B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4238
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of securing and sealing an optical fiber within a bulkhead, the method includes forming a layer of a solder-compatible material over a diffusion barrier covering a metal-clad optical fiber; extending the optical fiber through a metallic housing, with a portion of the layer of solder-compatible material within the housing, the housing and the solder-compatible material defining a gap therebetween; and bridging the gap with a solder to secure the fiber to the housing and to form a pressure-tight seal between the fiber and the housing. In one embodiment, an optical feedthrough includes a metallic housing; a gold-plated optical fiber disposed in the housing, the fiber having a nickel layer disposed thereon and a gold layer disposed over the nickel layer; and a silver-containing solder disposed in the housing and connecting the fiber to the housing, the solder bridging a gap between the metallic housing and the solder-compatible material to form a pressure-resistant seal about the fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.