Patent · US Expired

Optical isolator and method for making same

US6556733B2 · kind B2 · utility

22Cited by
7References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 17, 2001
Grant dateApr 29, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/2746
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An optical isolator includes a first optical collimator, a first birefringent crystal, a Faraday rotator, a second birefringent crystal and a second optical collimator. The first and second collimators have the same structure and configuration. Each first and second collimator includes a ferrule, an optical fiber retained in the ferrule, and a collimating lens, all of which are secured in a tube. The first and second birefringent crystals are respectively fixed to the first and the second collimators. The Faraday rotator is stationed between the first and second collimators, and fixed onto an end of the first collimator. In assembly, the first and second collimators and the Faraday rotator are all secured in a stainless steel outer tube. The second collimator is rotated within the outer tube until correct relative alignment of optical axes of the birefringent crystals is attained.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.