Optical coupling for optical fibers
US6674941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4206
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for coupling a laser (e.g., vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) to an optical fiber is disclosed. A plurality of optical modes associated with a laser, e.g., a VCSEL, are scrambled, and radiation from the VCSEL can be focused on a fiber facet associated with the optical fiber. Thereafter, the VCSEL can be coupled to the optical fiber to thereby improve coupling repeatability while reducing mode selective coupling of the VCSEL to the optical fiber. The optical modes can be scrambled utilizing an optical scattering surface. Such an optical scattering surface can produce a Lambertian-like scattering source such that optical modes thereof are combinable to form a plurality of optical modes. The VCSEL can be coupled to said optical fiber by butt-coupling said optical fiber to the multimode VCSEL through a receiver formed in a housing for the VCSEL and/or by utilizing at least one lens for imaging radiation/signals onto a particular spot. Additionally, such a spot generally comprises a size larger than a core of said optical fiber to thereby reduce coupling variations thereof. The optical modes may also be scrambled utilizing an optical concentrator config…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.