Light injector/extractor for multiple optical fibers
US6665469B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2852
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for injecting light from one of a first group of optical fibers into a corresponding one of a second group of optical fibers includes a holder for locating each of the fibers in the first and second groups, a clamp for securing fibers in the second group to the holder, and a depressor for laterally displacing each of the fibers in the second group, thus forming a bend in each of the fibers in the second group. The maximum curvature in the bend occurs where the fibers in the second group exit the clamp. Light is injected from fibers in the first group into corresponding fibers in the second group at the point of maximum curvature. An optical gel may be used to used to promote optical coupling between fibers in the first group and fibers in the second group. The optical fibers in the second group may include a lens for focusing the light to be injected. The device can function in reverse to extract light from fibers in the second group into fibers in the first group.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.