Abstract: A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

Abstract: A method for forming a side-pumped optical fiber combiner includes ablating a cladding of a signal fiber to form an angled notch in the cladding. The signal fiber includes a core and the cladding surrounding the core. The method further includes inserting a cladding-free end of a pump fiber into the angled notch. The pump fiber includes a core and a cladding, the cladding-free end including the core of the pump fiber and free from the cladding of the pump fiber. The method further includes fusing the cladding-free end to the signal fiber.

Abstract: A method of shaping an optical fiber includes displaying a user interface on a display screen. The user interface includes a timeline, a plurality of optical fiber manipulation parameter blocks within the timeline, and a script block including a plurality of script elements. The method further includes receiving data indicative of a user input selection of a script element for an optical fiber manipulation parameter block and a user input entry of one or more properties of the script element; determining, in response to the user input selection and user input entry, one or more actions to be performed by an optical fiber processing machine to shape the optical fiber; and providing, by the one or more computing devices, one or more control signals to the optical fiber processing machine to cause the optical fiber processing machine to perform the one or more actions.

Abstract: A method for ablating an optical fiber includes generating a laser beam for a plurality of discrete time periods. The laser beam impacts and ablates the optical fiber during each discrete time period. Each discrete impact of the laser beam during one of the plurality of discrete time periods is at a different location on a surface of the cladding. The ablation of the optical fiber during the plurality of discrete time periods forms a plurality of discrete craters. The plurality of discrete craters are spaced apart from each other in an array which extends along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and about a circumference of the optical fiber. An ablated end fiber includes a core, a cladding surrounding the core, and a plurality of discrete craters defined in the ablated end fiber.

Abstract: A method for monitoring optical fiber temperature includes heating an optical fiber using a heat source, and measuring an infrared radiation level emitted by an optical fiber during heating of the optical fiber. The method further includes comparing the infrared radiation level to a radiation level setpoint for the optical fiber to determine a radiation level error value. The method further includes adjusting a power level setpoint of the heat source based on the radiation level error value.

Abstract: A laser feedback control system includes a laser operable to emit a laser beam. The control system further includes a prism mirror which includes a first reflective surface. The first reflective surface is oriented to reflect the laser beam at a first angle to a first direction of travel of the laser beam. The control system further includes a sampling mirror, the sampling mirror partially reflective and oriented such that the laser beam reflected at the first angle by the first reflective surface encounters the sampling mirror at a polarization insensitive angle of incidence. The control system further includes a detector positioned to detect a portion of the laser beam transmitted through the sampling mirror.

Abstract: A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

Abstract: A method for forming a side-pumped optical fiber combiner includes ablating a cladding of a signal fiber to form an angled notch in the cladding. The signal fiber includes a core and the cladding surrounding the core. The method further includes inserting a cladding-free end of a pump fiber into the angled notch. The pump fiber includes a core and a cladding, the cladding-free end including the core of the pump fiber and free from the cladding of the pump fiber. The method further includes fusing the cladding-free end to the signal fiber.

Abstract: A laser feedback control system includes a laser operable to emit a laser beam. The control system further includes a prism mirror which includes a first reflective surface. The first reflective surface is oriented to reflect the laser beam at a first angle to a first direction of travel of the laser beam. The control system further includes a sampling mirror, the sampling mirror partially reflective and oriented such that the laser beam reflected at the first angle by the first reflective surface encounters the sampling mirror at a polarization insensitive angle of incidence. The control system further includes a detector positioned to detect a portion of the laser beam transmitted through the sampling mirror.

Abstract: A method for monitoring optical fiber temperature includes heating an optical fiber using a heat source, and measuring an infrared radiation level emitted by an optical fiber during heating of the optical fiber. The method further includes comparing the infrared radiation level to a radiation level setpoint for the optical fiber to determine a radiation level error value. The method further includes adjusting a power level setpoint of the heat source based on the radiation level error value.

Abstract: A method of shaping an optical fiber includes displaying a user interface on a display screen. The user interface includes a timeline, a plurality of optical fiber manipulation parameter blocks within the timeline, and a script block including a plurality of script elements. The method further includes receiving data indicative of a user input selection of a script, element for an optical fiber manipulation parameter block and a user input entry of one or more properties of the script element; determining, in response to the user input selection and user input entry, one or more actions to be performed by an optical fiber processing machine to shape the optical fiber; and providing, by the one or more computing devices, one or more control signals to the optical fiber processing machine to cause the optical fiber processing machine to perform the one or more actions.