Abstract: An optical interconnect comprises a metallized optical fiber electrostatically bonded to a thin film of an alkali-containing glass which is itself bonded to a planar surface of a semiconductive or conductive substrate. Another optical interconnect comprises an optical fiber having a thin film of an alkali-containing glass deposited thereon, wherein the fiber is electrostatically bonded to a planar surface of a semiconductive or conductive substrate. A process of bonding an optical fiber to a semiconductive or conductive substrate includes contacting the fiber with the substrate, applying a DC potential to the fiber-substrate combination, slowly heating the combination to a maximum temperature between 180.degree.-500.degree. C., maintaining the combination at the maximum temperature for a few minutes, cooling the combination to room temperature, and removing the DC potential.

Abstract: A method resulting in a package for a fiber optic component includes positioning the fiber optic component within a primary protective body. A flat wrappable secondary protective material having an adhesive on one side thereof is then wrapped around the primary protective body a plurality of times. The flat wrappable secondary protective material may be marked prior to wrapping the primary protective body. The adhesive on the flat wrappable secondary protective material may include a pressure sensitive adhesive allowing the primary protective body to be unwrapped.

Abstract: This apparatus comprises: an installation table for arranging the optical fibers thereon in order to splice the optical fibers; a cover member for covering said installation table; and a gripping mechanism, attached to said cover member, for gripping a storing component that stores the optical fibers.

Abstract: Overclad fiber optic couplers typically include an elongated glass body having a solid midregion through which at least two glass optical fibers extend in optical signal coupling relationship. At each end of the midregion is an end region containing a bore from which optical fiber pigtails extend. In accordance with the invention, each end region includes a first projecting portion, one surface of which forms a ledge. That end of each bore opposite the midregion terminates at a recessed face that intersects the respective ledge. One end of at least the first fiber extends from the first bore. That portion of the first fiber outside the first bore has a coating that extends along the ledge, the coating terminating outside the first bore. A mass of glue extends between the ledge and the recessed face and encompasses the bare portion of the first fiber that extends along the first ledge and at least a portion of the first coating that extends along the first ledge.

Abstract: This apparatus comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a first microscope placed in said housing to observe optical fibers; (c) a first light source facing to said first microscope; (d) a second microscope placed in said housing to observe said optical fibers; (e) a second light source facing to said second microscope; (f) a third microscope placed in said housing to observe said optical fibers; and (g) a third light source facing to said third microscope. When the first light source is turned on, the first light emitted from the first light source irradiates the optical fibers. When the second light source is turned on, the second light emitted from the second light source irradiates the optical fibers when the first light source is turned on, enlarged images of the fibers are observed, and when the second light source is turned on, enlarged images of the fibers are observed with said second microscope. These fibers are observed from different directions without moving these microscopes.

Abstract: The ends of a pair of polarization-maintaining optical fibers that each have an elliptical stress member in the cladding to produce stress induced birefringence are placed end-to-end with a predetermined gap between the ends of the fibers. The ends of the fibers are examined with an optical imaging apparatus whose focus is adjusted to locate an alignment band in each fiber. The position of one of the polarization-maintaining optical fibers is then adjusted until the two alignment bands are in longitudinal alignment. The fiber ends are pre annealed and then fused together by application of energy from an electric arc.

Abstract: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: A tool for fusing optical fibers is provided. The tool is preferably sized to be hand held and includes a housing having clamps that are positioned to engage recesses within a fusion sleeve placed in a chamber within the housing for holding down the sleeve. The housing includes a current source and conducting terminals for contacting and for providing an electric current to portions of the sleeve so that a heating element within the sleeve can fuse the first and second optical fibers together.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing a fiber optic depolarizer as well as an arrangement of that type uses two optical fiber sections which obtain the polarization planes of the light and which are connected with one another in such a manner that the principal axes of the optical fiber sections enclose an angle of 45.degree.. An optical fiber piece which obtains no polarization is inserted between the optical fiber sections whose principal axes enclose an angle of 45.degree., in that the optical fiber sections and the optical fiber piece are fixed to one another at their connecting areas. The principal axis orientations of the optical fiber sections are adjusted in such a manner that, in the case of a firm positioning of one of the two connecting areas by the torsional twisting of the other connecting area, an angle of 45.degree. is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber component, which includes an optical component, (e.g., a glass tube), one or more glass optical fibers attached to the surface of said component, and a surface pretreatment layer, formed from a silane applied to the surfaces of the component and the one or more glass optical fibers. Preferably, an adhesive is applied over the surface pretreatment layer to strengthen attachment of the component to the one or more glass optical fibers. A method of preparing such optical fiber components is also disclosed.

Abstract: Uniformity of optical coupling of optical elements such as star couplers and splitters is improved by heat treatment which causes dopants in the core of an optical fiber to diffuse into material from the cladding layer of the optical fibers from which the optical element is formed, resulting in a substantially homogeneous interior region of the star coupler or splitter. Increased lossiness of the optical element thus formed may be limited by termination of the heat treatment before dopant diffusion reaches equilibrium throughout the fibers so that a portion of the cladding layer of the fibers remains surrounding the substantially homogeneous region where the fibers have been fused together.

Abstract: A torch specifically adapted for the manufacture of optical fiber couplers is provided. The torch has a rod and nozzle of, preferably machinable, ceramic. The rod has an inlet for connection to a gas supply source, an outlet, and a gas channel connecting the inlet to the outlet. The nozzle has an inlet for receiving gas from the rod outlet, and an enlarged outlet connected to the nozzle inlet for discharging gas for ignition. The shapes and dimensions of the parts of the torch can be modified for the specific manufacturing requirements for an optical fiber coupler. During the manufacture of optical fiber couplers, the torch can be maintained in an ignited state so that the fusing of optical fibers can be performed uniformly and reliably.

Abstract: A surface lighting device receiving incident rays through two opposing faces of a light guide from light source to emit the incident rays from a face different from the two faces. The light guide is divided into plural divisions which are jointed together.

Abstract: A method of preparing a subassembly for connecting an integrated optical device (21) to an optical cable:a multiferrule is used having internal passages (2) opening onto its opposite first and second faces (6, 7),an intermediate optical cable is used,the intermediate fibers (27) are inserted into the passages (2) through the first face (6),the fibers (27) are fixed in the passages (2) over part of their length,the multiferrule and the fixed fibers (27) are cut to obtain a multiferrule section (34) in which the fibers are partly fixed,the fixed fibers (27) in the section (34) are connected to the device (21),the fibers (27) are cut near the second face (7) and removed to leave the passages (2) partially empty to produce the connection subassembly (36).

Abstract: The present relates to the protective structure for an optical fiber coupler made from bare fiber parts of a plurality of optical fibers therein, the bare fiber parts being formed by removing the coating of the plurality of optical fibers and comprises a case made of material having a coefficient of thermal expansion equivalent to optical fibers and having space for enclosing the optical fiber coupler, and fiber supporting portions, being arranged inside of the space of the case and being fused with the bare fiber parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polarization-splitting fiber coupler capable of stably executing a polarization separation/coupling and a method of stably manufacturing the polarization-splitting fiber coupler at a low cost. The method comprises the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of non-polarization fibers in parallel so that the side surfaces thereof come into contact to each other; (2) heating and fusing a portion of the arranged non-polarization fibers by controlling a heating temperature and a heating time so that the cross section of the fused portion thereof has an aspect ratio of 1.85-1.95; (3) thereafter, forming a fused/drawn portion by drawing the fused portion while keeping the aspect ratio after lowering the heating temperature; and (4) connecting polarization-maintaining fibers to the respective ends of the fused/drawn portion, respectively. Further, a portion of the connected polarization-maintaining fiber is heated and drawn to a taper-shape to provide the heated-fused portion with a polarizer function.

Abstract: In a fixing portion of an optical fiber-type wave-divider-multiplexer, an optical fiber glass portion is fixed to a fixing member by an adhesive. A groove reaching at least a core portion of the optical fiber is cut from the fixing member. This groove may be cut up to a position where the optical fiber is cut across. An optical filter is inserted into the cut groove, and is fixed by an adhesive or the like. As a result, the optical fiber can be provided with light passing characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the optical filter.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a fused joint between a pair of optical fibers. The device comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped compressible adhesive strip located within the housing. The housing comprising a pair of elongated trough shaped sections pivotally connected to each other by a longitudinal hinge assembly. The adhesive strip is secured to the inner surfaces of the housing sections and includes an adhesive outer surface. The housing sections are temporarily held in an open position by cooperating members of the hinge so that the fused joint and contiguous sections, e.g., buffers, of the optical fiber can be inserted within the housing between portions of the adhesive outer surface of the strips. The housing are pivotable together so that housing sections assume a closed position, whereupon portions of the strip which are contiguous with the splice joint and the buffers are compressed to accommodate the splice joint and buffers.

Abstract: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a wavelength multiplexing 2.times.2 tapered fused fiber coupler by progressive stretching, the birefringence of the coupler resulting from the progressive stretching is subsequently nulled-out by elastic twisting of the coupler. The progressive stretching is performed, under temperature conditions providing a profile in the coupling region of the coupler having the property that the coupling strength for one of the principal polarization planes of the coupler remains substantially constant during said elastic twisting.

Abstract: A method of producing an optical attenuator with any desired attenuation, by parallelly overlapping and welding two fibers at their ends. A light source is connected to one of the fibers and a power meter is connected to the other. The fibers is heated until readout of the power meter reaches a predetermined value, and a mode filter is applied to the welded portion to prevent unstable mode condition.

Abstract: Connection of hermetic optical fibers having a hermetic layer coated on optical fiber glass prepared by positioning the optical fibers on respective electrically nonconductive V-shaped grooves, aligning cores of the optical fibers and fusing and connecting the optical fibers through an aerial discharge gives a small break strength decrease after connection without removing the hermetic layer.

Abstract: In an optical fiber functional device for processing a light beam between optical fibers, single-mode optical fibers for processing the light beam are concentrically connected at the mutually opposed ends to convergence-type rod lenses each having a prescribed length and made of a graded-index optical fiber.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator is used to control the relative positions of a laser and optical fiber during laser welding of components to a base.

Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing structure and method of manufacture thereof for reinforcing an optical fiber having a cladding portion removed to expose a fiber core portion. The optical fiber with the fiber core portion is placed in a longitudinal groove of a reinforcing member. The optical fiber is fixed to the reinforcing member at the ends of the longitudinal groove using an adhesive. A cover is then fixed to the reinforcing member to hermetically seal the optical fiber within the longitudinal groove. The reinforcing structure of the present invention prevents environmental conditions from adversely affecting the optical characteristics of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber disposed to partially internally reflect optical energy passing therethrough is disclosed herein. The optical fiber 10 of the present invention includes an internal partial mirror disposed to partially transmit and to partially reflect optical energy incident thereon. The internal mirror is effectively realized at an interface I of first and second fiber segments 14 and 18. The first fiber segment 14 includes a first core region 22 which circumscribes a longitudinal axis X. The first core region 22 is of a first cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The inventive fiber 10 further includes a second fiber segment 18 in optical communication with the first fiber segment 14. The second fiber segment 18 includes a second core region 24 which circumscribes the longitudinal axis X, wherein the second core region 24 is of a second cross-sectional area perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing station includes a base having a vise for releasably securing a splice management device, such as a splice tray, and means for removably mounting one or more different fiber optic splicing tools. The splicing station provides a compact, portable platform which facilitates installation of the splice, particularly in difficult locations such as aerial or buried closures, and high-density environments. The base further has means for receiving an optical fiber cleaver at one of several different locations, to accommodate placement of the splicing tool, or simply for user convenience. Means may also be provided to mount the base to a splice case, tripod, or splicing rig support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of limiting coupling losses between a monomode optical fiber (2) having a mode diameter of W.sub.o, and an optical system (1) having a mode diameter W'.sub.o that is different from W.sub.o, said method being characterized by the fact that a piece (4) of multimode fiber is welded onto the end of said monomode fiber, said piece of multimode fiber having a length in the range 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and having the same cladding outside diameter as said monomode fiber, a mode diameter substantially equal to W'.sub.o, and an index difference .delta.n lying in the range 5.times.10.sup.-3 to 50.times.10.sup.-3, the weld creating an adiabatic cone in the region where the cores meet.

Abstract: An optical fiber termination device wherein temperature rise is minimized when light power is high or a power laser is used therewith. A first optical fiber is connected to a second optical fiber by fusing the core of the first optical fiber to the clad of the second optical fiber with a discharge generated between electrodes. The first optical fiber is inserted into a hole at the center of a ferrule and then the first optical fiber is fastened to the ferrule by fusing them. Thereafter, the edge surface of the ferrule is finished by polishing it. The second optical fiber is covered with a protective cover. Light coming from the core of the first optical fiber is incident on and scattered into the clad of the optical fiber. The light reflected toward the light source is greatly decreased by this structure.

Abstract: An improvement is proposed for decreasing the variation in the coupling ratio of an optical fiber coupler after a heat shock test. In an optical fiber coupler which is an elongated intergral body formed by fusing a plural number of optical fibers side-by-side consisting of two straightly columnar parts and a biconical part therebetween formed by drawing and adhesively bonded to a reinforcing base with a coating layer of an adhesive therebetween, the improvement can be achieved by limiting the zone where the coating layer of an adhesive to the surface of each of the straightly columnar parts within a range from the boundary between the straightly columnar part and the biconical part to a point 8 mm apart from the boundary.

Abstract: An optical attenuation device is described, for example for integration into optical transmission systems wherein the attenuation device is a fusion coupler (4) with an inlet (4a) and an outlet (4b), as well as at least one other inlet or outlet (4c, 4d), and the at least other inlet or outlet (4c, 4d) is closed off reflection-free (6).

Abstract: The first process for producing an optical fiber coupler includes a first step wherein at least one of the optical fibers to be used is stripped of the coating, a second step in which the bare portion of that optical fiber is heated for a predetermined time to diffuse the dopants, a third step wherein the other optical fibers which have not been heat-treated are stripped of their coating, a fourth step in which the bare portions of all the optical fibers are heated as they are brought into intimate contact, thereby forming a unitary portion, and a fifth step wherein the unitary portion is drawn via heating to form the coupling portion of an optical fiber coupler.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler is formed by providing a glass tube having a longitudinal bore and first and second funnels connecting the bore to the ends of the tube. The protective coating is stripped from the central portion of two optical fibers. The first and second fibers are threaded into the tube bore until the uncoated portions thereof are located within the bore. The protective coating of only one of the fibers extends into the first end of the bore, and the protective coating of only one of the fibers extends into the second end of the bore. The fibers extend beyond the tube ends. The bore diameter is just slightly larger than the sum of the diameter of the first fiber and the diameter of the coating of the second fiber. The resultant tight fit of the fibers in the tube promotes the retention the fibers in parallel alignment during the subsequent tube collapse step. The midregion of the tube is heated, collapsed about the fibers, and drawn to form a coupling region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mode field conversion fiber component formed by fusion-connecting connection end surfaces of two optical components having different mode fields. The mode fields of the two optical components are conformed to each other at the connection end surfaces, and are continuously varied near the connection end surfaces. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a mode field conversion fiber component, having the steps of butting connection end surfaces of two optical fibers having different mode fields, fusion-connecting the connection end surfaces of the two optical fibers, and heating a fusion-connecting portion of the connection end surfaces, diffusing core dopant, and conforming the mode fields of the two optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer apparatus (20) comprises a laser power source that produces a laser beam (32) having a laser beam axis (26). The laser power source includes a laser (22), a shutter (28) that controllably blocks and passes the laser beam, and an optical system (30) that expands the diameter of the laser beam. A parabolic mirror (34) has its axis coincident with the laser beam axis (26) and a bore (48) therethrough coincident with the laser beam axis (26). Optical fiber clamps (42, 46) hold the two optical fibers (40, 44) with their axes coincident with the laser beam axis (26) and their ends (62, 64) at the focal point (38) of the parabolic mirror (34). A sensor (82) measures the power reaching the optical fiber ends (62, 64) at the focal point (38) of the parabolic mirror (34), and a controller (72) controls the power level of the laser (22) responsive to the power measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of fusion splicing optical fibers. Cores of the optical fibers to be fusion spliced are arranged in such a manner that the ends of the corresponding cores of optical fibers opposingly face to each other between discharge electrodes for fusion splicing. Discharge current flowing between the discharge electrodes is automatically adjusted according to a number of the cores of the optical fibers to substantially provide an optimal correction to the discharge current in relation to the number of the cores of the optical fibers. The discharge current is further adjusted to a variation in atmospheric pressure to substantially provide an optimal correction to the discharge current in relation to the variation in atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Herein provided is a support member for supporting an optical fiber coupler formed by arranging a plurality of optical glass fibers parallel to one another, then welding and drawing a part thereof wherein a long and thin reinforcing material of quartz whose external is at least partially formed into a circular shape is accommodated in a cylindrical metal case while coming the material into contact with the inner wall of the case; the optical fiber coupler is arranged along the reinforcing material; a portion of the optical fiber coupler which is not welded and drawn comes in contact with the reinforcing material and a part of the contact portion of the optical coupler is fixed to the material with an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for fabricating single-mode and multi-mode attenuators characterized by a high level of wavelength insensitivity. A light source is connected to one end of a fiber and the other end is connected to an optical power meter. The optical power meter is set to a 0 dB reference. The fiber is then cut and the cut ends cleaved to define first and second segments. The ends of the segments are offset and overlapped by an axial distance that is large relative to the fiber diameter. The overlapping ends are heated so that they assume a fused state, and the relative axial positioning of the fiber ends while they are in the plastic state is adjusted to achieve the desired degree of attenuation, as indicated on the meter.

Abstract: In effecting an end-to-end fusion splice between two optical fibres, the optical fibres are introduced into opposite ends of two support members so that parts of the optical fibres protrude from the members. The fibres are secured in the members and the protruding parts are cut to form tails of predetermined lengths. The support members are then arranged in axial alignment and one is caused to move axially towards the other until the end faces of the protruding tails are spaced a predetermined distance apart. Fusion splicing is then effected, the support members are permanently secured together and mechanical protection for the fusion splice is provided.

Abstract: Simple and inexpensive optical fibre splicing apparatus comprises a splicing station comprising a fibre support table and a pair of electrodes; high voltage circuitry for striking an arc; clamp assemblies at opposite ends of the table for holding end parts of aligned fibres on the table with their end faces spaced a predetermined distance apart between the electrodes, a part of at least one of the clamp assemblies being constrained to move towards and away from the other; mechanical means for controlling movement of the part of the movable clamp assembly; and a firing button for actuating the high voltage circuitry and mechanical control means. Preferably, a low voltage power source is housed in a casing separately formed with respect to the casing of the splicing station and is connected to the high voltage circuitry of the splicing station by a flexible cable.

Abstract: A self-contained unit and method for splicing together the ends of jacketed optical fibers. The unit comprises a guide to align fibers, such as a capillary tube, having opposite ends into which the ends of optical fibers to be spliced pass until they are in contact in a central portion of the guide. A heater high temperature proximal to the central portion of the guide, when activated, generates sufficient heat to fuse and splice together the contacting fiber ends. A securing means, such as spaced ferrules with a tube of ceramic material joining the ferrules, is mechanically associated with the guide to mechanically hold in position the optical fibers when spliced together. By bringing the ends of jacketed optical fibers into contact within the guide, in the vicinity of heater, and subjecting the ends to high temperature heating, the fibers are fused and spliced at their ends.

Abstract: Fusion splicing of optical fiber generally requires removal of a polymer coating from the end portions of two lengths of fiber. A conventional removal method involves immersion of the fiber ends in an appropriate polymer stripping liquid, e.g., in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid. It is known that the strength of fusion splices generally is statistically distributed, such that there exists a probability that a given splice will pass at a given proof test level. We have found that the splice strength distribution can be shifted towards higher strength if the polymer stripping liquid comprises means for insuring that the liquid is essentially free of strength-reducing particles. Preferred means are concentrated nitric acid. Exemplarily, the liquid is at a temperature in the range 170.degree.-200.degree. C. and comprises concentrated (about 95%) sulfuric acid and about 5% b.v. concentrated (about 70%) nitric acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical fiber device comprising an optical fiber; the fiber having a first portion with an endface, the endface having a core and a peripheral area around the core, the endface having defined thereon a first region adjacent the core and a second region adjacent the peripheral area; a layer of reflective material located on the endface and confined to the first region, thereby forming a localized reflector thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for joining two ends of plastic optical fibers after the ends have been formed, preferably cut at a bias. The ends are pushed together within a tightly fitting quartz tube and their juncture is heated, by a resistance wire filament which surrounds the tube, to melt the ends and form a splice. The quartz tube is split into a top member and a bottom member and the spliced optical fiber is removed from the tube by opening the two tube members.

Abstract: An eccentric core optical fiber 10 having a cross-sectional area sufficiently large to afford ease of manipulation, yet deposed to operate in an evanescent mode, is disclosed herein. The inventive optical fiber 10 includes a fiber core 20 of a first index of refraction. The fiber core 20 circumscribes a first longitudinal axis. The optical fiber 10 of the present invention further includes fiber cladding material 30 of a second index of refraction chosen to be less than the first index of refraction. The cladding material 30 circumscribes both a fiber core 20 and a second longitudinal axis oriented parallel to but not coincident with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Opposed ends of optical fibers are fused within a holding member, by heating the fiber ends by means positioned in, or on, the member. A self-contained package can be provided to which an electric current is applied, or some other heating method.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable of multi-core single-mode type consists of a series of groups of a plurality of optical fibers having end portions fusion spliced to corresponding end portions of adjacent groups of optical fibers at an optical connection loss of at most 0.5 dB. Each of the end portions prior to fusion splicing has a radius of curvature in meters defined by .lambda./1.41 (where .lambda. is a wavelength in .mu.m at which said optical fiber cable is used). This structure and method ensures a sufficiently low optical connection loss of the optical fibers which are economically connected in batch and are easily reconnected in case of trouble.

Abstract: A micro-welder for optical fibers includes a stand having a central support surrounded by two lateral supports or beams. The beams are suitable for moving under drive from a bending movement about respective X-axes. The stand also supports a device for securing optical fibers on the beams and a device for accurately guiding the fibers on the central support. A low accuracy first displacement device is adapted to displace the beams to bring the fibers into end-to-end contact with each other by relative translation movement along their longitudinal Z-axis which is orthogonal to the X-axes. A high accuracy second displacement device is adapted for moving the beams to drive the fibers with accurate relative translation movements along the Z-axis. Two welding electrodes are provided and an optical device which includes a microscope for observing the ends of said optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice element useful for effecting a splice connection between at least two optical fibers comprises a pair of joinable splice halves. Fiber channels are provided on the splice halves extending through the element for accepting an optical fiber. Recess portions are provided on the splice halves to one side of the fiber channel for accepting a tool for applying a force for variably separating the halves to allow for fiber insertion in the fiber channel. Welds for joining the halves are disposed to a side of the fiber channel opposite to the recess portion. The welds are capable of holding the halves together along a side adjacent thereto while allowing the halves to variably separate along a side adjacent the recess portion so that the halves are at an angle to each other when separated by application of a force to the recess portion, with the welds being generally adjacent an apex of an angle so formed by the halves.

Abstract: Substrates for supporting optical fibers in an optical coupler are made by, first, making grooves in a glass preform which are about ten times the desired size, and then using glass drawing techniques to draw from the preform a substrate of the proper size. Optical fibers are arranged in ribbon form and placed in a fixture which allows the ends to be cut and polished at the angle required for proper coupler operation. Fibers are stripped from the end of the ribbon that has been cut and polished and placed in the grooves for proper alignment with abutting fibers. The ends of the fibers that remain fixed to the ribbon prevent unwanted rotation of the fibers.