Apparatus and method for compensating for and using mode-profile distortions caused by bending optical fibers
US7876495B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S2301/04
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for compensating for mode-profile distortions caused by bending optical fibers having large mode areas. In various embodiments, the invention micro-structures the index of refraction in the core and surrounding areas of the inner cladding from the inner bend radius to the outer bend radius in a manner that compensates for the index changes that are otherwise induced in the index profile by the geometry and/or stresses to the fiber caused by the bending. Some embodiments of an apparatus and method include a fiber having a plurality of substantially parallel cores, the fiber including a straight section and a curved section; guiding signal light primarily in a second core in the straight section; guiding the signal light from the second core into a first core between the straight section and the curved section; and guiding the signal light primarily in the first core in the curved section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.