Method of cleaning and stripping an optical fiber using an electrical arc, and associated apparatus
US7555188B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2552
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes generating a continuous or pulsed arc in a first area wherein the arc creates a plasma in one or more gasses in the first area. The method further includes positioning a portion of the fiber in a second area adjacent to and outside of the plasma region, wherein coating material that is present on the optical fiber portion is removed when the plasma is present. Alternatively, in the case of a pulsed arc, the optical fiber portion may be positioned at least partially within the plasma region. The positioning step may be performed prior to or subsequent to the arc generating step. The method and apparatus may be utilized in a system that also strips and cleaves optical fibers. Also, a method for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes by injecting negative ions into the area between the electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.