Method and apparatus for splicing optical fibers
US6612754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C66/69
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fiber splicing apparatus of the present invention includes a support (120a, 120b) for supporting the two optical fibers (112a,112b) such that the ends (114a, 114b) thereof are aligned and in physical contact, and a laser (130) emitting a laser beam (142) onto the ends of the optical fibers to heat and thereby fuse together the ends (114a, 114b ) of the fibers (112a, 112b). According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for heating a region (115) of one or more optical fibers(112a, 112b). This apparatus includes a laser (130) emitting a laser beam (132) and an optical modulator (134) positioned to receive and selectively modulate the intensity of the laser beam (132) to project a modulated laser beam (138) along a first optical path that terminates at the end (114a, 114b ) of the optical fiber(s) (112a, 112b)to be heated. This apparatus further includes a control loop (133) to monitor the intensity of the modulated laser beam (138) and control the optical modulator (134) to thereby regulate the intensity of the modulated laser beam (138) in response to the monitored intensity level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.