Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the optical coupling between cores of a multicore fiber which comprises transmitter capable of transmitting a train of pulses of controlled frequency and width into one end of a core of a multicore fiber, and detection capable of detecting the signal received at the same end of at least one other adjacent core of the multicore fiber, with a controlled time window close to the transmission pulse duration and with a delay between 0 and the transmission period.

Abstract: Process for making preforms for multicore optical fibers. According to this process, several elementary preforms are made, a first machining is performed on them such that a chosen geometric model will be obtained after they are assembled, a second machining is performed such that the assembly (11) has at least one hole (12), the preforms are assembled and an induction furnace (18) is used to fuse the preforms, while creating a vacuum in each hole.

Abstract: A connecting device for multicore fibers includes two superposed substrates each comprising a planar optic with multiple guides so that the guides of the two substrates are disposed in parallel planes that coincide with the cores of the fiber.

Abstract: A component for making a connection to a fiber with n cores disposed in a square geometry comprises n fibers assembled together at a common end and independent at their other end. The n fibers are assembled together at their common end in a geometry such that their cores are disposed in the same geometry as the cores of the multicore fiber. They are attached at their common end to a member enabling manipulation and/or positioning of the component.

Abstract: A multichannel optical connection process starts with making a wafer having a plurality of optical outlets disposed on a common face. The wafer is then disposed on a support having mechanical positioning arrangements, after which the assembly comprising the connecting wafer and the support is aligned with a reference termination having a base with mechanical positioning arrangements and a plate with at least two optical outlets disposed in the same configuration as the connecting plate. The two outlets of the wafer are then dynamically aligned with the outlets of the plate by three independent relative displacements of the wafer and the support. The wafer is fixed to the support when the alignment is achieved.

Abstract: A two-path connection system for monomode optical fibers is applicable to conventional telecommunication systems for connecting subscriber lines. The connection system includes a cylindrical envelope having an internal precision chamber. Two ferrules are engaged in the internal precision chamber, each for receiving a monomode optical fiber for connection. A spacer is engaged in the internal precision chamber which is suitable for securing the two ferrules while precentering them inside the precision chamber.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for connecting optical fibres, comprising stages consisting in (i) effecting a controlled rough polishing of the interface (5) of the fibres (1) to be connected, (ii) steeping the ends of the fibres (1) in a concentrated solution hydrofluoric acid and (iii) aligning then connecting the fibres (1) using an index matching material (FIG. 4). The invention also concerns a variable optical attenuator and a system using this attenuator to measure the effect of the reflection coefficient on an optical line.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler for coupling 2.sup.n inputs and one output, n being an integer, comprising: two halves of a solid part formed with 2.sup.n -1 identical convex grooves parallel to a midplane and to a fractioning plane along which the part was separated into two halves. A plurality of optical fiber lengths are located each in one of the grooves, the halves and fibers are cut along a plane transverse to the midplane and fractioning plane at a depth selected for eliminating half of the cross-section of the fibers in the midplane. An auxiliary part formed with 2.sup.n -1 grooves having the same distribution as the 2.sup.n -1 grooves in the halves is retained in abutment against the halves, end portions of the fiber lengths being located in the grooves for optical coupling each with the end surfaces of two lengths, whereby 2.sup.n -1 elementary 2-to-1 elementary couplings are achieved.

Abstract: A process for making a fiber optic coupler. An optical fiber reception block of rigid material that has orthogonal longitudinal and transversal planes of symmetry, an arcuate fiber receiving groove extending along the longitudinal plane of symmetry, and a plurality of reference surfaces is provided. An optical fiber is glued into the groove and the block is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal planes of symmetry to remove part of the fiber. The block is then cut in half along the transversal plane of symmetry, the two halves are superimposed in inverted positions and aligned by using a reference surface. This process forms a multibranch coupler that finds numerous applications in telecommunication systems.

Abstract: For continuous manufacture of optical fibers, bars of homogeneous silica-base material are welded in end to end relation. A silica cladding containing a proportion of index varying dopant which varies as the diameter of the cladding increases is progressively applied on a bar at a time to form successive preforms and the welded preforms are drawn out into fibers.