Abstract: A method of cross-connecting or reorganizing individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons include the steps of providing a substrate having an adhesive thereon with a mixing zone within the boundaries thereof. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed onto the substrate to form a plurality of fiber optic input ribbons, reorganizing the fibers in the mixing zone, and forming a plurality of fiber optic output ribbons. At least some of the output ribbons have fibers from more than one of the input ribbons. The input and output ribbons are coated on the substrate outside the mixing zone to hold the routed fibers in ribbon form, leaving at least portions of the fibers in the mixing zone uncoated. The coated ribbons are stripped from the substrate with the uncoated fibers from the mixing zone being loose. A holding device is placed about at least the uncoated loose fibers between the input and output ribbons.

Abstract: A splice module for optically interconnecting ends of first and second optical fibers (200, 300), each of which has a predetermined radius (Rf). The splice module comprises first and second plates (20, 30), both of which are made of silicon. The first plate 20 is provided with grooves (22). The second plate (30) is arranged on the first plate (20) to cover the grooves (22) and to define passage ways (26) for receiving and aligning the ends of the first and the second optical fibers (200, 300). The passage way (26) has an inscribed circle (28), which has a radius (Ri) larger than the predetermined radius (Rf) by a predetermined difference (D) between 0.5 ?m and 1.0 ?m, both inclusive.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice protection apparatus that allows optical fiber to be spliced and placed in position on a mandrel in cases of assembling a module or repairing optical fiber that has been broken. The present invention comprises a splice protector affixed to a mandrel and a rotation sleeve for winding excess fiber onto the mandrel. The rotation sleeve is located between the splice protector and an adjacent mandrel. The rotation sleeve facilitates winding excess fiber onto the mandrel, and has a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hydrophone assembly with a groove to receive the fiber and maintain the fiber's minimum bend radius. The splice protector and the rotation sleeve are substantially semi-circular in cross-section. A method is also provided for protecting spliced optical fibers using a splice protector and rotation sleeve.

Abstract: In a method for fusing splicing optical fibers having different diameters of fiber coating portions, the fiber coating portions of optical fibers to be spliced are clamped on V-groove boards and end faces of the optical fibers are aligned. Then, the end faces of the optical fibers are fused spliced by a discharged heating. An inclination angle &thgr;g of glass fibers of the fusion spliced optical fibers is measured from an observed image of a fusion splicing portion after fusion splicing the optical fibers to estimate a splice loss of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A device for reinforcing an optical fiber fusion spliced part a heating mechanism for heating a protective member and optical fiber clamping mechanisms which are arranged at both sides of the heating mechanism. Relative height positions of the heating mechanism and the optical fiber clamping mechanisms are configured to be changeable.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reducing splice loss by using an ultra-short bridge fiber to splice together a first fiber and a second fiber having different modefield diameters. The ultra-short bridge fiber has an intermediate modefield diameter between the modefield diameters of the first and second fibers. In one described technique, a first end of the ultra-short bridge fiber is spliced to a lead end of the first fiber at a first splice point. The bridge fiber is then cleaved at a predetermined distance away from the first splice point. A lead end of the second fiber is then spliced to cleaved end of the bridge fiber at a second splice point. A single protective splint is then installed that covers the bridge fiber and the first and second splice points. Further described is an optical fiber transmission line including an ultra-short bridge fiber.

Abstract: A device (1) for splicing optical fibres (20, 21) comprises a body (2), a first alignment element (3a) having at least one groove (6) for accommodating optical fibres, a second alignment element (3b) which can be brought towards the first alignment element (3a) to enclose optical fibres accommodated in the at least one groove (6), and a clamping element (11) for clamping the alignment elements together, The clamping element (11) is rotatable relative to the alignment elements (3a, 3b) from a first position in which the alignment elements are substantially loose to a second position in which the alignment elements are clamped together.

Abstract: In an optical fiber fusion reinforcing device, a distance from an end face 723 to a mid point C6 of a reinforcing device 7 is set equal to a distance from a fusion splicing point M to an end face of a fusion splicing device 6 where optical fibers 3, 3 are inserted. The fusion splicing device 7 includes: positioning member 72 for aligning a mid point C7 of a heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13, which is slidably mounted on the fusion spliced optical fibers, and the fusion splicing point M of the optical fibers 3, 3 with each other; housing portion for housing the optical fibers 3, 3 and the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 so that the fusion splicing point M and the mid point of the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 are aligned, and heater for melting the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 in the housing portion.

Abstract: An optical fiber spice holder, including a base having an upper surface and a plurality of sidewalls coupled substantially orthogonal to the upper surface. Each pair of sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls forms at least one channel therebetween. The at least one channel has a first radius sized to secure an optical fiber splice, and a plurality of channels are formed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A first dispersion compensation fiber and a second dispersion compensation fiber are serially connected to constitute a dispersion compensation module, the first dispersion compensation fiber having a negative dispersion value and a negative dispersion slope, and the second dispersion compensation fiber having a negative dispersion value and a negative dispersion slope different from the negative dispersion value and the negative dispersion slope that the first dispersion compensation fiber has. The dispersion slope that first dispersion compensation fiber presents a change convex to the upward direction following a wavelength change. The dispersion slope that the second dispersion compensation fiber presents a change convex to the downward direction following a wavelength change. The transmission optical fiber is connected to the dispersion compensation module.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reducing splice loss by using an ultra-short bridge fiber to splice together a first fiber and a second fiber having different modefield diameters. The ultra-short bridge fiber has an intermediate modefield diameter between the modefield diameters of the first and second fibers. In one described technique, a first end of the ultra-short bridge fiber is spliced to a lead end of the first fiber at a first splice point. The bridge fiber is then cleaved at a predetermined distance away from the first splice point. A lead end of the second fiber is then spliced to cleaved end of the bridge fiber at a second splice point. A single protective splint is then installed that covers the bridge fiber and the first and second splice points. Further described is an optical fiber transmission line including an ultra-short bridge fiber.

Abstract: The connecting method of different kind optical fibers of the present invention is a connecting method able to improve the strength of connecting portions of the different kind optical fibers of different mode field diameters. In this connecting method, connecting ends of the different kind optical fibers removing their coating therefrom are mutually butted and fusion-spliced by gripping the coating in a step (S4). Next, the mode field diameters of different kind optical fiber connecting portions are conformed to each other by the heat treatment of a step (S5). This heat treatment is taken within a low dust space having a clean degree of 1000 or less in class. Thus, the heat treatment is taken under an environment in which foreign matters floated around the connecting portions of the different kind optical fibers are very small. Therefore, it is possible to restrain a crack from being caused by burning the foreign matters into the connecting portions.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler reinforcing member comprises an approximately rectangular member formed by a hard material, and has a flat surface along the longitudinal direction thereof. In addition, the shape thereof in cross-section is a hexagonal shape which inscribes a cylindrical member. Furthermore, a recess having a U-shaped cross-section is formed in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned approximately rectangular member and houses coupling section. The coupling section housed within the recess is fixed at both ends of the recess by an adhesive or the like. In addition, both ends of the inner wall surface of the recess have been given bevel sections. As a result, the optical fiber coupler reinforcing member having high reliability at low cost, with which the strength with respect to external force is improved and with which processability and the assembly operations of the optical fiber coupler are easy, are provided.

Abstract: A continuous, single-step, low-temperature process combines metal coating with the splicing of fibers, producing a single, continuous low-cost process for embedding fibers in metal, and/or the splicing of fibers with a joint featuring uniform composition and high strength requiring no additional adhesives. The method can be used to create terminations for cables, or it can be used as a method of splicing or joining optical fibers by positioning the ends of the two fibers under the foils, so that they abut prior to creating the bond. The consolidation material may be provided in sheets, with or without fiber-locating grooves or, alternatively, droplets may be used. In the preferred embodiment, ultrasonic vibrations are used as the source of consolidation energy. A range of metals are suited to the process, including aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, iron and their alloys as well a numerous other metals of more limited structural utility.

Abstract: An optical waveguide module-mounted package that includes an optical waveguide module in a separation type case. The module includes an optical waveguide chip and a pair of optical fibers, connected to said optical waveguide chip in the manner that the optical axes of said fibers and the chip are aligned with each other. The separation type case is formed by combining two identical half cases. Each half case has a mating surface with one or more recess-protrusion pairs for fitting. The recess and the protrusion the respective protrusion and recess of the combining partner.

Abstract: A temperature stabilized tapered fiber optic component is produced, such as a fiber optic coupler or a fiber optic filter. In the case of the component such as a coupler, at least two fibers are fused and tapered to achieve a desired taper profile with suitable mechanical and wavelength properties. In the case of a component such as a fiber filter, only one fiber is tapered. Once the component is formed, it is solidly secured to a rigid substrate that produces a mechanical stress such as to compensate for any modal phase shift of the component due to temperature variation. Also, the mechanical phase dependence of the component may be adjusted in relation to the substrate to provide the desired temperature compensating effect. Preferably, both these features are used to achieve the best possible temperature stabilization.

Abstract: There is provided a package for holding long-period fiber gratings formed on an optical fiber from which an outer coating is partially removed to form the gratings thereon. A recoating is then applied to the long-period fiber gratings to maintain the optical characteristics of the long-period fiber gratings, and thereafter a silica glass tube is fixed around the recoating to protect the long-period fiber gratings from an ambient environment.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a fiberoptic waveguide with a basic segment (11) and a phase shift segment (12), the basic segment (11) and phase shift segment (12) having fiber cores (K) of the same form and the fiber cores being aligned at a defined angle (&agr;) to one another. In the method, use is made of an optical fiber (1) having a fiber core (K) of the abovenamed form, which fiber is twisted at least approximately by the abovenamed defined angle (&agr;) and held fixed in this torsional position. Subsequently, a stress-relief zone (13) is heated inside the twisted fiber (1) until the torsion is released inside the stress-relief zone (13) and the basic segment (11) is produced on one side of the stress-relief zone (13) and the phase shift segment (12) is produced on the other side. In this case, the fixing of the torsional position is maintained until after solidification of the stress-relief zone (13).

Abstract: A support for a splice in an elongate element such as an optical fiber in which application of the support involves attainment of an elevated temperature, in which there are provided temperature indicator means for providing a visual indication of attainment of a selected temperature or temperature range whereby to assist in determining effective completion of a step in the application process.

Abstract: A fiber optic device for changing direction along a fiber optic path is provided. A first optical fiber having a first end portion, and a second optical fiber having a second end portion are joined at a fusion splice. A miniature bend is formed in the region of the fusion splice. The device is particularly useful for routing optical fibers in the field. A method of forming such a miniature bend in a fusion splice region between two optical fibers is also provided.

Abstract: In an optical fiber array, an optical fiber, a bundle of optical fibers or an optical fiber ribbon is mounted on an array substrate with a V-groove or V-grooves. A bare fiber portion in which a fiber coating is removed is placed in the V-groove, pressed by a presser member 6 and bonded by adhesives. At the front end, the fiber(s) is/are accurately positioned to connect to optical components or PLCs. The bare fiber portion contains a spliced portion of the dissimilar optical fibers having different mode field diameters and a mode field converting portion. The spliced portion of the dissimilar optical fibers is mounted on the array substrate. A flexible protection member is provided in the fiber coating portion extending over a rear edge of the array substrate. The optical fiber is bonded onto the array substrate, employing three kinds of adhesives that are different in the Young's modulus after hardening and the viscosity before hardening.

Abstract: A method of cross-connecting or reorganizing individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons include the steps of providing a substrate having an adhesive thereon with a mixing zone within the boundaries thereof. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed onto the substrate to form a plurality of fiber optic input ribbons, reorganizing the fibers in the mixing zone, and forming a plurality of fiber optic output ribbons. At least some of the output ribbons have fibers from more than one of the input ribbons. The input and output ribbons are coated on the substrate outside the mixing zone to hold the routed fibers in ribbon form, leaving at least portions of the fibers in the mixing zone uncoated. The coated ribbons are stripped from the substrate with the uncoated fibers from the mixing zone being loose. A holding device is placed about at least the uncoated loose fibers between the input and output ribbons.

Abstract: An improved temperature-compensated optical grating device includes a temperature-compensating structure including a plurality of members that are selected and arranged to provide an effective coefficient of thermal expansion that is negative with respect to two mounting points for an optical fiber grating, wherein the improvement is achieved by making at least one of the members of the temperature-compensating structure from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion that decreases with increasing temperature and at least one other member having a high coefficient of thermal expansion that increases with increasing temperature.

Abstract: Sealed cable connections can be used to connect first and second cables to a sealed cable joint. The sealed cable connection at one end of the sealed cable joint includes a cable socket body positioned within an inner region of a housing. The cable socket body includes a passageway receiving one of the cables. A seal securing member is positioned within the inner region of the housing and secured into contact with the cable socket body. At least one seal, such as a resilient metal seal, is compressed between the cable socket body and the seal securing member to seal against the inner surface of the housing. The sealed cable connection can also include a cable seal positioned around the cable and within the passageway of the cable socket body.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes a multi-port fiber optic device (100) with a buffer (200) circumferentially mounted thereon. A metallic foil (300) with the sealant (400)coated thereon, wraps around the buffered multi-port fiber optic device, and is crimped at two opposite longitudinal ends thereof. Both the buffer (200) and the sealant (400) are cured for reinforcement of the whole package assembly.

Abstract: An installation structure for positioning and holding an optical fiber by means of a V-shaped groove formed on a substrate is disclosed. The V-shaped groove is divided into a positioning section and an alignment fixing section. The positioning section has groove width and depth for allowing the optical fiber to have a contact therewith. The alignment fixing section has groove width and depth larger than those of the positioning section to an extent for not allowing the optical fiber to have a contact therewith, when the optical fiber is disposed on the V-shaped groove.

Abstract: In many optics applications, it is desirable to retard the polarization of a light wave, i.e., to change the polarization state of a light wave. In a method for retarding polarization of a light wave, a first linear polarization-maintaining fiber having a first beat length is spliced to a second polarization-maintaining fiber having a high birefringence and a second beat length. The second fiber is then cleaved to a length which is a fraction of the second beat length. The first fiber and the second fiber may be secured in a removable or permanent capillary. A light wave is transmitted into the first fiber and the polarization state of the light wave is determined. To adjust the polarization state, the second fiber may be lapped against an abrasive substance. The second fiber may be repeatedly lapped until a desired polarization state is achieved.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heater 6 which includes a first heating conductor pattern 1, a second heating conductor patterns 2 and an elongated plate-shaped member 3 made of heat-resistive and insulated material. The first heating conductor pattern 1 is disposed in the central portion in a longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member 3. The second heating conductor patterns are disposed in both end portions of the plate-shaped member in the longitudinal direction. The first heating conductor pattern 1 and the second heating conductor patterns 2 are independently controlled their temperature. Current is first fed to the first heating conductor pattern 1, and the current feeding is stopped, and current is then fed to the second heating conductor patterns 2. Accordingly, the protective member placed on and along the heater 6 is gradually heated from the center to both ends.

Abstract: An optical module comprises an optical fiber having a formed portion to form a fiber grating and a package to which the optical fiber is secured. The package comprises a single package member or at least two or more package members whose materials differ from each other. The optical fiber is secured to the package member. A distortion for adjusting a Bragg reflection wavelength of the fiber grating of the optical fiber is given to the package member.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable splice places a hot-melt adhesive tube over fused fibers, bare buffer, bare strength member and part of the protective jacket of each cable joined. A heat shrink tube is disposed over the hot-melt tube and an elongated strengthening rod is inserted between these tubes, extending longitudinally for equal lengths beyond the tubes. The hot-melt adhesive tube and heat shrink tube are heated to seal the hot-melt adhesive around the fused fibers, bare buffer, bare strength member and portions of the outer protective jacket of each cable and to shrink the heat shrink tube to bind the rod to the hot-melt tube and its enclosed contents. The cable is helically wound around the lengths of the rod extending beyond the inner tubes and an outer heat shrink tube is shrunk to bind the rod to the joined cable, the inner heat shrink tube and its enclosed contents.

Abstract: A splice protection system including a water resistant material disposed on a flexible wrapper that retains the water resistant material is disclosed. The splice protection system is useful for preventing unwanted entry of external elements into the splice regions of signal transmission devices, thus preserving the integrity and function of the signal transmission devices.

Abstract: The object is to solve the problem in bending strength of an optical fiber, in an optical waveguide module-mounted device using an integrated separation type case. An optical waveguide module-mounted device containing an optical waveguide module in a separation type case, the module comprising an optical waveguide chip and a pair of optical fibers connected to the optical waveguide chip in the manner that the optical axes of the chip and the fibers are aligned with each other, wherein the separation type case has an optical-fiber lead-in portion, the optical-fiber lead-in portion having: an optical-fiber open groove at open portion, for leading the optical fiber out of the separation type case; and an optical-fiber lead-in groove for positioning the optical fiber, which groove is connected to the inner end of the open groove, the open groove being deeper than the optical-fiber lead-in groove .

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mid-span branching of optical fiber cable which makes the mid-span branching possible without excess length of the optical fiber cable by forming main branching part and sub branching part for branched cores to be taken out from an existing main cable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for mid-span branching that provides marginal length of the existing main cable from which the branch cable branches off without the excess length of cables.

Abstract: A recoating splice sleeve is provided to protect fused or jointed optical fibers, at and adjacent their point of fusion, against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength at the splice after the fusion. The recoating splice sleeve includes an inner tube, and an outer tube having a portion with diminished structure integrity such that the portion is easily broken to facilitate removal of the outer tube. The inner tube is made of a fiber recoating material. The splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The splice sleeve, together with the fused optical fibers, are heated in order to melt the fiber recoating material around the fused fibers. Once the fiber recoating material of the inner tube has cured around the fused fibers, the outer tube is separated along a tube separation assist feature such as a portion having diminished structural integrity, removed and discarded.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice protector protects a splice between a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a first fiber coating and the second optical fiber includes a second fiber coating where the second fiber coating has a larger diameter than the first fiber coating. The splice protector includes a sleeve that is applied around the first fiber coating. The sleeve has a similar diameter to the diameter of the second fiber coating. A splint is applied around the splice of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and extends from the sleeve to the second fiber coating. Additionally, a method for applying a fiber optic splice protector is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning the splint around the splice, proof testing the splice, and heat curing the splint around the splice after proof testing of the splice.

Abstract: To provide an optical waveguide module-mounted package having a structure that allows the package to be assembled easily. An optical waveguide module-mounted package containing an optical waveguide module in a separation type case, which module comprising an optical waveguide chip and a pair of optical fibers, connected to said optical waveguide chip in the manner that the optical axes of said fibers and the chip are aligned with each other, wherein said separation type case is formed by combining two identical half cases, each half case being provided with a mating surface having one or more recess-protrusion pairs for fitting, said recess and said protrusion fitting respectively the protrusion and the recess of the combining partner.

Abstract: This invention discloses a plurality of compensating devices for correcting temperature deviation of optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG). These devices includes means for compressing optical fibers being affixed to a substrate, and fiber grids being cured to the substrate and/or the compressing means under a thermal state, or fiber grids being affixed to the substrate and/or the compressing means while the fiber grids are under tension. This invention further discloses methods for manufacturing such devices. The FBG thermal compensating devices according to this invention consist the advantages of simple constructions and simplified manufacturing processes. One of the devices can resolve the heat-dissipating problem so as to allow immediate thermal expansion of the fiber grids. Another device allows rapid positioning and manufacturing. One of the devices allows the fiber grids to be directly secured to a thermal compensating substrate without needing additional pre-processes.

Abstract: An athermally packaged optical fiber device, such as a Bragg grating, is provided. The device includes a hollow structure, and a free and a threaded member projecting in the hollow structure from both ends. The optical fiber is mounted in tension inside the hollow structure through longitudinal fiber-receiving bores in both members, and has an anchor point affixed to each member with the grating therebetween. The anchor point of the threaded member is provided outside of the hollow structure, making the device more compact. The free and threaded members are rotatable together to adjust the resonant wavelength of the grating, and a nut may be provided to allow a fine-tuning. The hollow structure, free member and threaded member have a coefficient of thermal expansion selected so that they together compensate for the temperature dependency of the Bragg wavelength.

Abstract: A splice sleeve to protect fused or jointed optical fibers at and adjacent their point of fusion against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength by creating a suitable reinforcement at the splice after the fusion. The splice sleeve preferably includes an inner tube, a strengthening rod, an outer tube, and an activatable heat source including one or more substances. Preferably, the strengthening rod and the heat source are disposed between inner tube and outer tube. In use, the splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The substances are exposed to each other, preferably inside of the heat shrinkable tube. This produces a chemical reaction that gives off heat sufficient to affix the splice sleeve to the fused fibers and reinforce the fibers at their point of fusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling optical components and a substrate. A glass coating is located at the inner base between the optical component and the substrate. The assembly of the component, substrate and glass coating can be used in the field of imaging and in particular for endoscopy.

Abstract: A package for an optical device comprising two mating sections, each section including a rigid outer protective shell and a resilient inner body. The package is easily clamped together using snap clips, which are integral with the rigid outer protective shells. Preferably, strain relief is provided integrated on each end of the resilient bodies.

Abstract: An invention proposes a new solution for the optical fiber gratings temperature compensation package that has an elongated body made out of a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) material with a longitudinal internal passage therethrough and that transversely extends to a perimeter of the body all along between its first and second extremities and forms a longitudinal exterior opening. The latter allows the optical fiber to be transversely inserted therethrough and to be fixed in a stretched configuration to a first and second end pieces made out of a high CTE material and longitudinally slidably mounted on a respective of first and second extremities of the body.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heater 6 which includes a first heating conductor pattern 1, a second heating conductor patterns 2 and an elongated plate-shaped member 3 made of heat-resistive and insulated material. The first heating conductor pattern 1 is disposed in the central portion in a longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member 3. The second heating conductor patterns are disposed in both end portions of the plate-shaped member in the longitudinal direction. The first heating conductor pattern 1 and the second heating conductor patterns 2 are independently controlled their temperature. Current is first fed to the first heating conductor pattern 1, and the current feeding is stopped, and current is then fed to the second heating conductor patterns 2. Accordingly, the protective member placed on and along the heater 6 is gradually heated from the center to both ends.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice apparatus has a covering that surrounds the splice between two optical fibers, and conducts residual pump energy in the fiber claddings away from the splice. This prevents the residual light from reaching components, such as plastic buffers, that are susceptible to failure from excess light absorption. The apparatus may use an optical epoxy covering that surrounds adjoining portions of both fibers, and that has a refractive index higher than that of the outermost fiber claddings. The covering may be surrounded by a glass capillary that is transparent to the residual light, and that conducts light from the covering further away from the splice. The capillary may be mounted in a metal housing by an adhesive epoxy that is transparent to the residual pump light, and can conduct light to an inner surface of the housing, which may be light absorbent to the wavelength range of the residual pump light.

Abstract: An optical signal limiter is provided for limiting transmission of a continuous wave optical signal that exceeds a preselected threshold power level. The limiter includes a body having input and output ends that is formed at least in part from a material having a negative thermal index coefficient of between about −0.5×10−4 °C.−1 and −4.0×10−4 °C.−1 and an absorption coefficient of between 1.0 to 5.0 dB/cm at wavelengths between 980-1650 nm. The limiter also includes collimating fibers mounted on the input and output ends to minimize low power signal losses across the limiter body. It may be installed at a junction between two optical fibers and is preferably formed from a curable adhesive having the aforementioned negative thermal index coefficient to obviate the need for separate bonding materials and joining steps during the installation of the limiter.

Abstract: A package for a fiber optic device or component comprised of an elongated support substrate for supporting an optical device or component having at least one optical fiber extending therefrom. The optical fiber has an inner glass core and a glass cladding surrounded by an outer buffer. An elongated glass tube is dimensioned to receive the support substrate. The glass tube has open ends. The at least one optical fiber extends through one of the open ends with the outer buffer removed from the optical fiber in the vicinity of the open end. A glass seal surrounds the inner glass fiber closing the open ends.

Abstract: A package for a fiber optic device or fiber optic component having at least one optical fiber extending therefrom. The package is comprised of a support substrate for supporting the optical device or optic component, the support substrate having at least one optical fiber extending therefrom. A housing surrounds the substrate and has an opening at one end. At least one optical fiber extends through the opening. A layer of metal seals the opening of each end of the tube and the glass fiber cladding where the optical fiber extends through the layer of metal.

Abstract: A continuous, single-step, low-temperature process combines metal coating with the splicing of fibers, producing a single, continuous low-cost process for embedding fibers in metal, and/or the splicing of fibers with a joint featuring uniform composition and high strength requiring no additional adhesives. The method can be used to create terminations for cables, or it can be used as a method of splicing or joining optical fibers by positioning the ends of the two fibers under the foils, so that they abut prior to creating the bond. The consolidation material may be provided in sheets, with or without fiber-locating grooves or, alternatively, droplets may be used. In the preferred embodiment, ultrasonic vibrations are used as the source of consolidation energy. A range of metals are suited to the process, including aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, iron and their alloys as well a numerous other metals of more limited structural utility.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for protecting splices of optical fibers comprises an inner heat-shrinkable tube, an outer thinner heat-shrinkable tube and a reinforcing rod. The reinforcing rod has a metal layer on a flat surface thereof. When heating the assembly for applying it tightly to a splice an electrical current is passed through the metal layer. Then heat is developed which causes the tubes to shrink. The metal layer can be applied to have a larger resistance in its central region where it then will be heated first, the shrinking of the tubes then also starting in the central region, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The metal layer can be made to act like an electrical fuse, being evaporated when the heat is sufficiently intensive and then automatically interrupting the electrical current.

Abstract: A method of joining and deploying two or more lengths (63,64) of underwater cable the method comprising (1) connecting together and securing the lengths of cable in cable joint (65) whereby each length of cable extends from a cable reception region (3) on one side of the cable joint, (2) attaching a deployment device (66) to the joint, (3) lowering the cable joint using the attached deployment device (66); and (4) releasing the attached deployment device (66). The cable joint can be lowered by a single deployment device only, and each length of the cable is under tension up to the cable joint when the cable joint is lowered.