Apparatus and method for making a lens on the end of an optical waveguide fiber
US6552298B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2552
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making a lens on the end of an optical waveguide fiber. The apparatus includes a laser, wherein the laser emits a laser beam. The apparatus further includes a beam expander disposed to receive the laser beam, whereby the beam expander increases the diameter of the laser beam, thereby producing an expanded laser beam. The apparatus further includes a first aperture disposed within the expanded laser beam, wherein the first aperture blocks a portion of the expanded laser beam, and a second aperture disposed within the expanded laser beam, wherein the second aperture blocks a portion of the expanded laser beam. The apparatus further includes a first mirror disposed in the path of the expanded laser beam wherein the first mirror redirects the expanded laser beam. The apparatus further includes a focusing mirror disposed to receive the expanded laser beam, wherein the focusing mirror focuses the expanded laser beam thereby forming a heat zone. The apparatus further includes a first positioner disposed to selectively position at least a portion of a lens preform within the heat zone, and a second positioned disposed to selectiv…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.