Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus and reinforcement processing method are provided where it is not necessary to dispose a temperature detecting device such as a thermistor, and a heating control in which the detected temperature is not varied, the power consumption is low, and which is accurate is enabled. An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus in which a fusion-spliced portion of an optical fiber is covered by a heat-shrinkable reinforcing sleeve to perform reinforcement has: heating controlling means for performing a heating control on a heater which heats the reinforcing sleeve; and temperature detecting means for detecting a heating temperature of the heater on the basis of a change of the resistance of the heater. The heating control and the temperature detection are performed by controlling time periods of turning on/off a power supply to the heater.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for fusion splicing optical fibers with low splice loss even when a shape of a discharge beam for the splicing is distorted. In the present invention, a preliminary discharge is performed with the optical fibers outside a discharge area and an image of the discharge beam thereof is picked up. Based on this image, brightness distributions of the discharge beam are estimated on a plurality of lines in a Z direction that are set in different positions in an X direction, and a discharge center of the beam is found from the plurality of brightness distributions. Then, the abutment portion of the optical fibers is positioned at the discharge center, and a main discharge is performed so as to fusion splice the distal ends of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice protector is provided which includes a first tube being substantially hollow and being locatable along a portion of the length of at least one optical fiber, the portion including a bare optical fiber section of the optical fiber. A longitudinal support is also locatable along the portion of the length of the optical fiber that includes the bare optical fiber splice section of the optical fiber, the longitudinal support being enclosable by the first tube along the length of the optical fiber. The first tube is of high temperature resistant material that is resistant to temperatures above 125 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data includes receiving a plurality of downstream wavelength streams from a first optical fiber, each wavelength stream corresponding to a separate downstream data transmission, passing all downstream streams but at least one downstream targeted-wavelength stream to a second optical fiber, and routing the downstream targeted-wavelength stream to a subscriber on a third optical fiber, wherein the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber, and the third optical fiber are connected to a single device, and wherein the third optical fiber is a drop cable.

Abstract: A covering device for a high voltage part in an optical fiber fusion splicer includes a cover body, removably connectable to a support table, including an electrode holder adapted to removably hold an electrode rod. The covering device includes an electrode retainer removably connectable to the cover body, adapted to press the electrode rod against the support table.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes first and second fiber optic cables segments that are joined at an in-line splice location at which a fiber optic splice is located. The in-line splice location includes a strain transference arrangement configured to inhibit strain from being transferred to the fiber optic splice.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber composite comprising an asymmetric optical fiber comprising a first end with a substantially non-circular cross-section, and a substantially circular clad optical fiber comprising a tapered end section which has a substantially non-circular cross section and where the asymmetric optical fiber and the substantially circular clad optical fiber are spliced together at the first and second ends. The invention also relates to methods of making such optical fiber composites and devices that include such optical fiber composites.

Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing an optical fiber in a variety of sensing applications and environments by beneficially routing the optical fiber. A continuous optical fiber is created to provide optical continuity between two ends of the optical fiber. The optical continuity is created with the assistance of an optical turnaround constructed in a simple, dependable form able to control the bend of the optical fiber as it extends through the optical turnaround.

Abstract: Fiber optic connectors having an optical fiber stub that is fusion-spliced for optical connection and related tools for the fiber optic connectors are disclosed. Specifically, the connector assembly for fusion-splicing includes a fiber optic connector having an optic fiber stub and a boot attachable to the fiber optic connector. The boot is configured to transfer the majority of the axial force from the fiber optic cable to the fiber optic connector. Specifically, a splice housing for housing the fusion splice is configured for attachment to an end of the boot for transferring forces from the fiber optic cable to the boot. Consequently, the boot preferably has an extensibility of less than about 2 millimeters under an axial load of about fifteen pounds to inhibit excess forces from acting on the optical fiber stub.

Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing an optical fiber in a variety of sensing applications and environments by beneficially routing the optical fiber. A continuous optical fiber is created to provide optical continuity between two ends of the optical fiber. The optical continuity is created with the assistance of an optical turnaround constructed in a simple, dependable form able to control the bend of the optical fiber as it extends through the optical turnaround.

Abstract: A built-in optical fiber of a ferrule has one end of the built-in optical fiber matched with a splicing end surface, and the other end of the built-in optical fiber protruded from an end portion opposite to the splicing end surface and one end of a splicing optical fiber to be spliced are placed so as to be fusion-sliced with one another. After that, the ferrule is held by inserting a cylindrical portion of the ferrule into a holding unit of a ferrule holder from the splicing end surface. The ferrule is transferred while holding a stem extended on an opposite side of the holding unit of the ferrule holder and the splicing optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for joining a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, wherein at least one of the first and second optical fibers has an annular glass region, such as a cladding, which is provided with a plurality of holes. The methods are well suited for joining a first microstructured optical fiber, such as a first optical fiber having a plurality of holes having a maximum cross-sectional diameter on the order of 7 microns or less, to another second optical fiber. The second optical fiber could be another microstructured optical fiber or a non-microstructured optical fiber.

Abstract: A polarization-maintaining optical fiber includes a core region and a cladding region formed around the core region. The cladding region has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the core region. A refractive index profile of the core region is either one of a step shaped or a concave shaped. The cladding region includes two holes formed in such a manner that a shortest distance from the core region is virtually zero at locations in opposite to each other across the core region.

Abstract: An optical connector kit as described below is provided. An inserting operation of an optical fiber to be inserted into a plurality of connector parts is facilitated. All connector parts constituting an optical connector are accommodated, including a ferrule. To the ferrule, an optical fiber having a predetermined length is attached and has been subjected to end face polishing processing. The optical connector kit includes a ferrule-with-optical-fiber and an accommodating housing for accommodating all connector parts constituting an optical connector, including a ferrule-with-optical-fiber. An optical fiber having a predetermined length is attached in advance to the ferrule of the ferrule-with-optical-fiber and the end face polishing processing is carried out. The connector parts include a plurality of connector parts into which another optical fiber is inserted when the rear end of the optical fiber of the ferrule-with-optical-fiber and the tip end of another optical fiber are fusion-spliced.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler is comprised of a fusion-elongated portion 15 in which an optical fiber 11 which is designed and fabricated for use at a wavelength in the vicinity of 1.55 ?m and an optical fiber 12 which is designed and fabricated for use at a wavelength in the vicinity of 0.98 ?m are fused and elongated. The propagation constant difference between optical fibers 11 and 12 is 10?4 rad/?m or smaller.

Abstract: A method for compression splicing optical fibers comprising providing first and second optical fibers, providing a deformable splice tube, heating the deformable splice tube with a heat source, inserting the optical fibers into the heated splice tube until they contact, and applying compression to the heated splice tube to deform the splice tube and maintain their ends in contact. An apparatus for compression splicing optical fibers comprising a deformable splice tube, a compression device and a heat source coupled to the deformable splice tube through the compression device.

Abstract: An optical fiber loading device includes a loading stage, which includes a first clamp block, fitted in a first opening defined in a first base portion, including first grooves adapted to position first optical fibers of a first optical fiber cable; and a first clamp arranged to releasably contact the first clamp block to clamp the first optical fibers therebetween, wherein the first clamp block and first base portion are formed of two different materials. The device also includes a first holder adapted to hold the first optical fiber cable, and to move the first optical fiber relative to the loading stage to bring the first optical fibers in contact with second optical fibers of a second optical fiber cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber/glass tube fusion spliced structure includes an optical fiber made of glass and a glass tube through which the optical fiber is inserted and at least in part of the optical fiber/glass tube fusion spliced structure, an outer circumference portion of the optical fiber and an inner circumference portion of the glass tube are fusion spliced. Part of the fusion spliced portion located in one of the optical fiber and the glass tube is formed of a material having a lower fusion point than a fusion point of part of the fusion spliced portion located in the other.

Abstract: A fibre-optic package comprises at least two fibre optic devices or components (102, 104, 106, 118, 120, 122, 124) coupled together by fused-fibre coupling. The package typically comprises two or more fibre optic accelerometers, and may be of reduced size compared to fibre-optics packages of the prior art, due to the reduced length of optical fibre required to connect the devices or components.

Abstract: An air-clad optical fiber is provided having a core that is surrounded by an inner cladding region, an air-clad region, and an outer region. A lead end of the air-clad optical fiber is prepared for splicing by removing the air-clad region and all fiber regions outside of the air-clad region, so as to expose an inner fiber region. The prepared lead end of the air-clad optical fiber is then spliced to a lead end of the optical device. The air-clad region may be removed from a selected portion of an air-clad fiber by causing an etchant gas to stream through the air-clad region in the selected portion of the fiber. Heat is then applied to the selected fiber portion, causing at least some of the microstructure to be etched away.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of connecting an optical connector and an optical fiber cord are provided. The method includes providing the optical connector, a connector housing, a stop-ring structure, and an optical fiber; fusion-splicing a fiber end of the optical fiber of the optical connector and a fiber end of an optical fiber protruding from a cord end of an optical fiber cord; enclosing the cord end of the optical fiber cord and at least the stop-ring structure end. The sleeve includes an annular sleeve body, a hot melt resin layer applied to an inner surface of the sleeve body, a tensile-strength body embedded in the sleeve body or the hot melt resin layer. The sleeve is heated such that the hot melt resin layer is melted into molten resin which in turn fills the inner space of the sleeve and solidifies therein.

Abstract: A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.

Abstract: Other end of a built-in optical fiber of a ferrule with one end of the built-in optical fiber matched with a splicing end surface and other end of the built-in optical fiber protruded from an end portion opposite to the splicing end surface and one end of a splicing optical fiber to be spliced are placed is fusion-sliced with the one end of the splicing optical fiber. After that, the ferrule is held by inserting a cylindrical portion of the ferrule into a holding unit of a ferrule holder from the splicing end surface. The ferrule is transferred while holding a stem extended on an opposite side of the holding unit of the ferrule holder and the splicing optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention is a staggered splice and method for making the same. The staggered splice is used to join two multi-fiber optic cables. Each opposing pair of optic fibers is cleaved such that they all have substantially the same combined length and provide fully operable communication. The light transmitting interfaces are staggered with respect to each other. The individual splices can be mechanical or fusion splices. The splices are typically bundled and protected with a sheath. The staggered splice is particularly applicable for connecting torpedo payout spools wound with the multi-fiber optic micro cable to the shipboard side wire.

Abstract: An optical device fabrication method capable of fabricating optical devices with high precision and reliability in a simple process and at a low cost. The method of splicing a first optical device and a second optical device to fabricate a third optical device includes the steps of: (a) starting heating of an end surface of the first optical device to soften the end surface; (b) pushing the second optical device into the softened end surface to splice the first optical device and a joint surface of the second optical device to each other; (c) pulling back the second optical device to arrange the joint surface of the second optical device onto or outside of the end surface of the first optical device; and (d) terminating heating of the end surface to fix the first and second optical device spliced to each other.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor enabling simpler detection of a state of an external environment and a measuring apparatus using the same are provided. At a front end of an optical fiber portion 20a for transmitting the light a hetero core having a different diameter from that of a core of the optical fiber portion 20a is melt bonded so as to form a tip type optical fiber sensor 9 having a sensor portion 4 comprised of the hetero core on its front end. An end of the optical fiber portion 20a side of this tip type optical fiber sensor 9 has a light source 1 connected to it. Returned light striking the optical fiber portion 20a from the light source 1 and subjected to interaction with a measurement medium MD at the sensor portion 4 is split by an optical fiber coupler 2 and received at a photodiode or spectrum analyzer 6, thereby an optical fiber sensor measuring apparatus 100 is constructed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber composite comprising an asymmetric optical fiber comprising a first end with a substantially non-circular cross-section, and a substantially circular clad optical fiber comprising a tapered end section which has a substantially non-circular cross section and where the asymmetric optical fiber and the substantially circular clad optical fiber are spliced together at the first and second ends. The invention also relates to methods of making such optical fiber composites and devices that include such optical fiber composites.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical apparatus including an optical fiber having a wavelength of operation, the optical fiber comprising a first length of the optical fiber joined to a second length of the optical fiber with a splice such that the first and second lengths are in optical communication; a photodetector for sensing light leaking from the splice; and wherein the splice has a splice loss of not greater than 0.5 dB at the wavelength of operation. Methods of sensing light are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of aligning optical-fibers, including: holding a sheath of an optical-fiber ribbon cord using an optical-fiber holder so that distal ends of optical fibers extending from the sheath are located above grooves of a groove stage; arranging an optical-fiber guide on one side of the sheath, as the sheath is held by the optical-fiber holder, on a first side of the optical-fiber holder, wherein the optical-fiber guide has oblique portions adjacent to transverse sides of the sheath; moving the optical-fiber guide in a first direction toward the sheath so that at least one of the oblique portions aligns the sheath to the transverse center of the optical fiber guides; and moving the optical-fiber guide in a direction opposite the first direction to align the optical-fibers into the grooves of the groove stage.

Abstract: A collimator lens having a low reflectivity and significantly improved durability against high-power light is provided so that optical parts using the collimator lens can be reduced in size and cost lowered. A plurality of optical fibers can be connected to the collimator lens to produce a variety of fiber collimators and optical parts based on the fiber collimator. The collimator lens is made essentially of quarts glass whose refractive index is graded radially so as to increase towards the optical axis and decrease gradually towards the outer periphery. The collimator lens and optical fibers are connected directly by fusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for splicing a conventional single mode fiber and a photonic crystal fiber having a small core. The method, relying upon an offset fusion splicer, applies repeated arc discharges having weak current and short duration. The method results in a low loss between 1.5 dB to less than 0.5 dB.

Abstract: A splice connector for verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a ferrule having a stub optical fiber, a ferrule holder for receiving the ferrule, opposed splice components within the ferrule holder for receiving and aligning the stub optical fiber and a field optical fiber, a cam member for engaging one of the splice components to terminate the field optical fiber, and means for viewing an amount of glow emanating from a termination area. In one embodiment, a splice component and the portion of the ferrule holder disposed between the splice component and the cam member are optically transmissive. The cam member has a first array of wells and a second array of wells for viewing the amount of glow before and after the field optical fiber is terminated. In another embodiment, the ferrule holder is opaque and has a view port, while the cam member has a first well having a first depth and a second well having a second depth.

Abstract: An optical cable having an optical core with a strength member and optical fibers embedded in a thermoplastic material. The optical core has a joint section having substantially the same diameter as the one of the optical core. The joint section has a jointed strength member and a plurality of spliced optical fibers, the jointed portion of the strength member and the spliced portion of the optical fibers being embedded into a cured polymeric material. A method for manufacturing an optical core is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable, comprising a cable main unit with an optical fiber covered by a sheath and terminal units mounted on end portions of the cable main unit, wherein each of the terminal units has a transparent cover member with a refractive index approximately equal to the optical fiber, the cover member of at least one of the terminal units and the optical fiber are welded under such condition that the cover member is brought closer to or into contact with the optical fiber, and the cover member and the optical fiber are integrated with each other.

Abstract: An optical apparatus of the invention has a fusion splice portion where respective ends of two optical fibers each having a core, a cladding, and a UV coat portion provided on the outside of the cladding are fusion spliced, and a re-coat portion which re-coats a portion where the UV coat portion is removed in the vicinity of the fusion splice portion is formed using a material capable of absorbing light radiated from the fusion splice portion. As a result light which is radiated from the fusion splice portion can be reliably prevented from coupling into another optical fiber adjacent to an outside of the re-coat portion.

Abstract: A connection method for a photonic crystal fiber for connecting the photonic crystal fiber and a fiber to be connected, the photonic crystal fiber including a cladding region having a number of microholes and a core region having a same refractive index as that of the cladding region, includes the steps of: abutting respective end faces of the photonic crystal fiber and the fiber to be connected each other; after the abutting, performing a main discharge in which an abutted portion is heated by an electric discharge under a first condition; and after the main discharge, performing an additional discharge in which the connection portion is heated by an electric discharge at least once under a second condition to increase a splice strength.

Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splice connector including a single connector element operable for providing optical fiber alignment and strain relief includes opposed splice components that define first and second grooves for receiving the bare glass portions of mating optical fibers, as well as the coated or buffered portion of at least one of the optical fibers when the splice components are biased together by an actuator. The mating optical fibers are aligned while the coated or buffered portion of one of the optical fibers is retained within the same connector element, thus eliminating positioning problems that occur when separate connector elements are utilized for fiber alignment and strain relief. The splice components may be unbiased to allow removal of at least one of the mating optical fibers without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the optical fibers.

Abstract: A compact, low profile splicing system for joining optical fibers produces durable, low transmission loss fusion splices. The system employs active optical techniques such as profile alignment or local injection and detection to achieve optimized alignment of the fibers prior to fusion. Light injected into one fiber is propagated across the interface to a second fiber. A detector senses the intensity of the injected light in the second fiber. After the relative position of the fibers is manipulated to maximize the transmitted intensity, the fibers are fusion spliced using an electric arc discharge. The accurate alignment achievable using the local injection and detection system to drive adaptive fiber positioning affords a method for reliably producing low loss splices. The present system is compact and low in profile, making it operable in cramped quarters with limited clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available.

Abstract: A molding die 1 is constituted by an upper die 1a and a lower die 1b which are made of a material transparent to an ultraviolet light, and has a cavity 3 constituted by grooves 2c, 2d, whereas a resin injection gate 4 and a resin exit gate 7 are provided so as to communicate with the cavity 3. A junction of an optical fiber 10 is inserted into the cavity 3. A UV-curable resin is injected into the cavity 3 surrounding an exposing portion of the glass optical fiber 11 from the resin injection gate 4 positioned at one of coating ends of the optical fiber 10, whereas a part thereof is discharged from the resin exit gate 7 positioned at the other coating end. The ultraviolet light is emitted through the lower die 1b so as to cure the resin, thereby forming a reinforcement resin coating. As a consequence, bubbles can be prevented from occurring due to the residual air within the reinforcement resin coating in the junction of the optical fiber 10.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing optical fixed attenuators in which two fibers are axially cojoined using fusion splicing. The spliced fibers are then captured in either a splice protection splint or cylindrical ferrule that can be housed in an optical adapter. In this process for producing the attenuator, the fusion splicing is preceded by a deformation of the mode field diameters of the ends of the fibers with the cleaning arc function of the splicing unit. The resulting attenuation of the splice is dependent on the amount of deformation of the fiber core and mode field diameter. Such a technique enables precision attenuation with very low wavelength dependent loss to be fabricated. The performance of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing systems, as well as test facilities and individual optical components can be improved by the use of such attenuators.

Abstract: Method for connecting an optical fiber to a GRIN lens, and a method for producing an optical filter module having an optical fiber and a GRIN lens, comprising arranging the optical fiber in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the GRIN lens, directing a laser beam onto a part of the optical fiber and/or a part of the GRIN lens, the laser beam heating at least a part of the optical fiber and/or a part of the GRIN lens in such a way that a connection is formed between the optical fiber and the GRIN lens, and the optical axis of the laser beam being aligned oblique to the optical axis of the optical fiber, as well as optical filter modules produced in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The optical fiber fusion-splice device comprises a pair of electric discharge electrodes provided opposed to each other along a predetermined axis, a conductor electrode disposed on one side with respect to a plane with the predetermined axis contained therein, and section for generating electrostatic attraction in the direction tending from the above-described plane toward the one side, between the conductor electrode and the electric discharge path produced between the electric discharge electrodes. The means for generating electrostatic attraction is connected to the conductor electrode. This fusion splicer fusion-splices together the end portions of optical fibers disposed on the other side with respect to the above plane by electric discharge produced between the electric discharge electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials suitable for use as secondary coatings of optical fibers or the re-coating of spliced optical fiber junctions. With regard to the latter use, the coating materials a preferably characterized by a Young's modulus that is at least about 1200 MPa, and an interfacial strength as measured by the rod and tube method of greater than 25 MPa.

Abstract: An interface system and a method of making an interface assembly or connection between a first device having a number of optical leads and a second device having a number of optical leads. In the preferred process one forms an optical fabric assembly having a number of free or unattached optical leads without any coupler attached thereto. To transfer a signal from the free or unattached optical leads one forms an optical coupler by connecting one end of an optical lead to a connector. The other end of the optical lead is maintained in a free or unattached condition. One can then test the optical coupler to determine if the connections is properly formed so that a signal can pass into the optical lead through the connector or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of fusion splicing optical fibers with different diameters, comprising: (a) preheating for a predetermined period of time an end of a large-diameter optical fiber; (b) advancing relatively the small-diameter optical fiber toward large diameter fiber; (c) preheating for a predetermined period of time the ends of the both optical fibers; (d) advancing at least one of the optical fibers so that end faces of the optical fibers are brought into contact with each other; and (e) heating a predetermined period of time the faces of the optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical fiber splicing device (LWL-SPG) for substance-determined connection of optical fibers (F1, F2) by means of an electric corona discharge (GEG). A corona discharge guide (LBF11/12, LBF2, LBF3) is arranged over the electrodes (E1, E2) for the stabilization of the conditions during the splicing process.

Abstract: An optical fiber axial alignment method and related method, and an optical fiber fusion splicing method and related device are disclosed wherein a butt alignment section 9 has a butt alignment groove portion 7 to allow at least one pair of optical fibers 3 to be positioned such that distal ends of optical fibers 3 mutually but one another. Optical fiber guide sections 21 on both sides of the butt alignment section 9 have guide grooves 23, whose centers are positioned on substantially straight lines interconnecting centers of at least one pair of opposing butt alignment groove portions formed on the butt alignment section 9, and are able to elevate above the butt alignment section 9.

Abstract: Optical fibers (1, 1?) are fusion spliced to each other by using a CO2 laser (109) having an emission wavelength of 9.3 microm. The heat absorption of the fibers is higher and the variation of the absorption for small deviations of the wavelength is smaller than at the conventional wavelength of 10.6 microm. As a result, less laser power is needed, the laser construction may be more compact and safety problems can easier be handled. The optical arrangement for the light beam of the CO2 laser includes deflecting and focusing the collimated laser beam (20) emitted by the laser using a mirror (10) having a curved surface of concave nearly paraboloid shape, the splice position (30) located at a small distance of the focus of the mirror and well outside the collimated beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device having at least a first heating element 102 for heating at least one protective sleeve 105, 602 arranged around at least a first uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. Said sleeve 105, 602 being arranged to shrink when exposed to heat to form a protecting member tightly enclosing said uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. The at least first heating element is flexible, and arranged to take at least a first open state and a second substantially closed state. Said first open state is suitable for inserting and removing said protecting sleeve and fiber into and out off said heating device. Said heating element, in said second state, substantially surrounds said sleeve to form an enclosure around said sleeve, so that said heating element radiates heat around substantially the complete circumference of said sleeve.

Abstract: A splicing stage for fusion joining two optical fibers comprises an electric arc welding system, a clamping and fiber position adjustment system, and an optional imaging optical system. The stage is preferably incorporated in a compact, low profile, modular fusion splicing system that employs a local injection and detection system to optimally align and position the fibers before fusion. The system is rugged, portable, and capable of operating in an adverse environment. Compact and low in profile, the splicing stage and system are operable with minimal clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available. Simplicity of design and operation enable accurate alignment and reproducible formation of low transmission loss spliced joints.