Abstract: In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code includes code to cause a processor to receive an image signal associated with an image of an end face of a polarization-maintaining optical fiber (PM fiber), determine a center position of the PM fiber, perform a local image equalization on the end face, and define an edge map of the end face. The code can perform a Hough space analysis on the edge map to determine the center position of a first structure and/or a second structure on the end face. The first structure and the second structure can each define at least in part a birefringence of the PM fiber. A birefringence axis of the PM fiber can be calculated based on at least two of the center position of the PM fiber, the center position of the first structure and the center position of the second structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for cleaving an optical element at a defined distance from a splice (or other reference point/feature) of the optical element within a desired precision and/or accuracy. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an indication of a location of a feature in an intermediate optical assembly visible within an image of the intermediate optical assembly. The feature can be for example, a splice. A position of the intermediate optical assembly is translated relative to a cleave unit based on the indication. After translating, the intermediate optical assembly, the intermediate optical assembly is cleaved to form an optical assembly that has an end face at a location disposed at a non-zero distance from the location of the feature. In some embodiments, the location of the feature can be determined with an image recognition system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code includes code to cause a processor to receive an image signal associated with an image of an end face of a polarization-maintaining optical fiber (PM fiber), determine a center position of the PM fiber, perform a local image equalization on the end face, and define an edge map of the end face. The code can perform a Hough space analysis on the edge map to determine the center position of a first structure and/or a second structure on the end face. The first structure and the second structure can each define at least in part a birefringence of the PM fiber. A birefringence axis of the PM fiber can be calculated based on at least two of the center position of the PM fiber, the center position of the first structure and the center position of the second structure.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first laser cavity including a set of high-reflector gratings coupled in series and a second laser cavity including a set of high-reflector gratings coupled in series. Each high-reflector grating has an associated spectral bandwidth. The first laser cavity is configured to receive at a first end optical energy having a first spectral bandwidth and the second laser cavity is configured to receive at a first end optical energy having a second spectral bandwidth. A fiber coupler is coupled to a second end of the first laser cavity and to a second end of the second laser cavity. The fiber coupler is configured to receive optical energy from the first laser cavity having a third spectral bandwidth greater than the first spectral bandwidth, and receive optical energy from the second laser cavity having a fourth spectral bandwidth greater than the second spectral bandwidth.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an optical fiber assembly apparatus includes a signal fiber having a substantially constant outer diameter, a proximal portion, and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a waveguide structure configured to propagate an optical signal having a first mode field diameter and the distal portion has a waveguide structure configured to propagate the optical signal having the first mode field diameter at a proximal end of the distal portion and has an expanded waveguide structure configured to propagate the optical signal having a second mode field diameter at a distal end of the distal portion. The optical fiber assembly includes a lens fiber having a proximal end. The proximal end of the lens fiber is fused to the distal end of the distal portion of the signal fiber. The lens fiber is configured to propagate an optical signal through a nominally homogenous region.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes positioning an outlet of an acid dispenser adjacent to a first portion of an optical fiber. The method includes directing heated acid from the acid dispenser into contact with the first portion of the optical fiber and into a holding tank such that a portion of a coating of the optical fiber is removed to expose a cladding of the optical fiber. The method includes positioning an outlet of a fluid dispenser adjacent to a second portion of the optical fiber. The method includes directing a fluid pressurized at a substantially constant level from the fluid dispenser into contact with the second portion of the optical fiber and into the holding tank such that at least a portion of the heated acid is displaced from the cladding.