High-power fused collimator and associated methods
US7397985B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/322
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for making a high-power fused collimator, and a fused collimator made thereby, are provided. A fused collimator is provided that includes an end of a stripped end portion of an optical fiber fused to a proximal face of a silica lens. In an embodiment, a joint formed by the fiber end and the silica lens proximal face is substantially surrounded with a solder glass in a melted form. A cross-sectional area of the solder glass decreases proximally from a distal edge adjacent the lens to a proximal edge located along the fiber's stripped end portion. The solder glass is permitted to harden, forming a fused collimator. In another embodiment, a ferrule surrounds the fiber stripped end portion, and an adhesive is applied to the ferrule's proximal face to surround the fiber. The lens-ferrule joint is surrounded with solder glass, which is then surrounded with a silica sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.