Dye-appended polymers for broadband fiber optic devices
US6489399B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24124
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Novel dye/polymer compositions are disclosed, which when used in connection with fiber optic devices, provide a uniform spectral response across a broadband wavelength region. The dye/polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1300 nm. One or more polar olefin copolymers containing monomers derived from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached, is/are chemically bonded to the dye. Optionally, a detached polar olefin copolymer may be blended with the dye-appended copolymer. Also disclosed is a broadband optical device comprising the novel dye/polymer compositions formed over an optical fiber. Improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. Variable optical attenuators, switches, shutters, and couplers can be designed which incorporate the dye/polymer compositions. The invention is particularly useful in the 1500-1700 nm wavelength band.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.