In-line shuffle modules utilizing three dimensional optical circuits

US6832032B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Richard L. Simmons · Leander, US
• Curtis L. Shoemaker · Round Rock, US
• Kenneth L. Kornele · Georgetown, US
• Harry A. Loder · Austin, US
• Edward B. Lurie · Round Rock, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 18, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 14, 2004
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3885
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A three dimensional optical circuit featuring an optical manifold for organizing, guiding and protecting individual optical fibers is shown. One aspect of the present invention is a three dimensional manifold which may be constructed using a rapid prototyping process such as, but not limited to, stereolithography (“SLA”), fused deposition modeling (“FDM”), selective laser sintering (“SLS”), and the like. The manifold has a number of input openings in a first ordered arrangement at one end connected by passageways to a number of output openings in a second ordered arrangement at the opposite end. A plurality of optical fibers may be directed through the passageways of the manifold to produce a three dimensional optical circuit such as a shuffle. Moreover, the optical manifold may be used in conjunction with a number of connections or terminations to form a various optical modules. These modules may be configured for various in-line applications and may include protective housings or enclosures of metal or the like.