Coating removal systems for optical fibers
US9085047B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3863
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Coating removal systems for optical fibers are disclosed. Related methods and optical fibers processed with these methods and coating removal systems are also disclosed. An optical fiber includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating which does not contribute to the optical performance of the optical fiber. By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured to enable reliable optical communications. A laser beam may be directed at the protective coating to remove the protective coating by one or more ablating, melting, vaporizing, and/or thermal decomposing processes. The optical fiber may also be optionally cleaved. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed while retaining at least fifty percent of the tensile strength of the optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.