Apparatus and method to metallize, reinforce, and hermetically seal multiple optical fibers
US6671450B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4248
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods to metallize, reinforce, and hermetically seal multiple optical fibers are described herein. A ribbon of optical fibers may be placed into a fixture to expose a mid-span segment for removal of the coatings from the optical fibers by acid etching, laser, etc. A variety of metallic coatings may then be deposited onto the bare segment of the optical fibers. The metallized segment of optical fibers are then deposited with solderable alloy onto a plate for attachment to the plate for reinforcement of the metallized segment. The plate and metallized segment is then fed through a package opening and hermetically sealed to internally connect one or more components inside the package by heating the package to melt additional solder around the opening or gap. Epoxy is then applied over the solder to help protect the solder and additionally seal the package.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.