Systems and methods for modifying selected portion of optical fiber microstructure
US7425099B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/094019
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An air-clad optical fiber is provided having a core that is surrounded by an inner cladding region, an air-clad region, and an outer region. A lead end of the air-clad optical fiber is prepared for splicing by removing the air-clad region and all fiber regions outside of the air-clad region, so as to expose an inner fiber region. The prepared lead end of the air-clad optical fiber is then spliced to a lead end of the optical device. The air-clad region may be removed from a selected portion of an air-clad fiber by causing an etchant gas to stream through the air-clad region in the selected portion of the fiber. Heat is then applied to the selected fiber portion, causing at least some of the microstructure to be etched away.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.