Method and apparatus for fiber alignment using light leaked from cladding
US6690459B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4244
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for the alignment of a converging light beam with a fiber having a core and cladding, using light leaked from the cladding is provided. Light from an incoming light beam is leaked from the cladding and passes through a ferrule surrounding the cladding, to light sensors located adjacent the ferrule. When any sensor senses light, that sensor signals the converging light beam to move away from that sensor (and towards the core of the fiber) until no light shines on that sensor. Each sensor performs this same function until no light shines on any sensor, indicating a proper alignment of the light on the core of the optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.