Deterministic cleave of optical fiber
US8740029B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T225/325
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Axial tension is applied to an optical fiber that had been scored at the intended cleave location, wherein the axial tension is applied in a time-varying manner to maintain the stress intensity factor for crack on the fiber within an acceptable level to produce a stable crack growth at a reasonable rate to cleave the fiber without requiring polishing of the end surface. Careful control of the applied tension force with time acts to control the velocity of the propagating crack by maintaining substantially constant stress intensity factor. The applied axial tension force is reduced with time and/or crack growth (as crack propagates). As a result, the strain energy in the fiber material is released by formation of a single plane with an optical quality surface without requiring polishing. A substantially flat optical surface of enhanced optical quality is formed at the cleaved end of the optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.