Abstract: Disclosed is an end-cap assembly for a hollow core optical fiber, comprising: an elongated and hollow glass ferrule comprising: a first ferrule-part with a first ferrule-end, and a second ferrule-part with a second ferrule-end, wherein the first ferrule-end configured to be sealed, and wherein the second ferrule-end is configured to receive a hollow core optical fiber, and wherein the second ferrule-part is configured to fix the hollow core optical fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing an optical fiber involving: a laser in optical communication with an end of the fiber, the laser configured to direct a test beam of radiation into an end of the fiber; a detector in optical communication with the end of the fiber, the detector configured to detect a reflection of the test beam by a defect within the fiber; and a timer connected to the laser and to the detector, wherein the timer is capable of measuring a delay between an emission of the test beam of radiation by the laser and a detection of the emitted test beam by the detector, the delay being indicative of the position of the defect within the fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic feedthrough includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore, the housing fitting hermetically into an aperture of a wall. A first collimator sealed within the bore receives output from an optical fiber located on a first side of the wall, and a second collimator also sealed within the bore, optically aligned with the first collimator, receives the signal and provides it to a second optical fiber located on a second side of the wall. The polarization extinction ratio of an optical signal traveling through the feedthrough is maintained at a value of at least about 12 dB, and the hermeticity of the feedthrough across the wall is better than about 10?6 atm.cc.sec?1.

Abstract: A fiber optic feedthrough includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore, the housing fitting hermetically into an aperture of a wall. A first collimator sealed within the bore receives output from an optical fiber located on a first side of the wall, and a second collimator also sealed within the bore, optically aligned with the first collimator, receives the signal and provides it to a second optical fiber located on a second side of the wall. The polarization extinction ratio of an optical signal traveling through the feedthrough is maintained at a value of at least about 12 dB, and the hermeticity of the feedthrough across the wall is better than about 10?6 atm.cc.sec?1.

Abstract: An optical component is attached to a mounting block and the mounting block is attached to a carrier. The optical component is actively aligned by adjusting the optical component with respect to the mounting block and the mounting block with respect to the carrier. An adhesive used for the attachments can be in a layer of 5 microns or less to reduce thermal degradation and effects of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A broadband light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), such as a superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLED), has its mean wavelength stabilized by using a filter to pass a characteristic of the output of the source, detecting the filtered output, and adjusting a parameter affecting the wavelength of the source, such as drive current or temperature. A Gaussian or near-Gaussian filter can be used to obtain an intensity detection, or two narrowband filters can be used where one filter passes a wavelength greater, and one passes a wavelength less, than the desired mean wavelength.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting an optical fiber for coupling to a high power light source, the fiber being secured to its mount with a low refractive index adhesive. The low refractive index adhesive serves to reduce the coupling of light traveling within the fiber to the fiber mount, thereby reducing undesirable, potentially destructive heating in the fiber mount. The adhesive preferably comprises sol gel.

Abstract: An inexpensive TO- or MO-series package is used to house an optical device, such as a laser, by forming an opening in a side of a package, providing an optical fiber within the opening, and coupling the optical device to the fiber. The package is preferably a TO-258 or some other similar metal package.

Abstract: A broadband light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), such as a superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLED), has its mean wavelength stabilized by using a filter to pass a characteristic of the output of the source, detecting the filtered output, and adjusting a parameter affecting the wavelength of the source, such as drive current or temperature. A Gaussian or near-Gaussian filter can be used to obtain an intensity detection, or two narrowband filters can be used where one filter passes a wavelength greater, and one passes a wavelength less, than the desired mean wavelength.