Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.

Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.

Abstract: A method for increasing the photosensitivity of a selected portion of an optical fiber and for producing a grating in the selected portion of an optical fiber. The method includes the step of placing the selected portion of the optical fiber in a hydrogen containing atmosphere. The volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere immediately surrounding only the selected portion of the optical fiber is heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. Only the selected portion of the optical fiber is exposed to the heated volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 250° C. for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A sprayable coating composition for a bare portion of an optical fiber that includes a refractive index grating having a characteristic wavelength response. A coating composition comprises a curable composition having a viscosity from about 0.05 Pa-sec to about 0.30 Pa-sec for spray application to cover the bare portion of the optical fiber, to protect the refractive index grating. A photoinitiator reacts with actinic radiation in the presence of oxygen to cure the curable composition covering the bare portion of the optical fiber. The characteristic wavelength response of the grating exhibits substantially linear variation between a lower limit of temperature and an upper limit of temperature when the curable composition has a glass transition temperature either above the upper limit of temperature or less than about 30° C. above the lower limit of temperature.

Abstract: A filament organizer, for attaching an accessory to a section of filament, comprises a frame including a plurality of filament guides. The frame accommodates an accessory positioner adapted for sliding engagement therewith. A pair of spools, attached to the accessory positioner, has a section of filament extending from one to the other so that the filament passes around the plurality of filament guides of the frame to selectively position the section of filament. The accessory positioner includes an accessory cradle that moves from a retracted position to a proximate position. In its retracted position the accessory cradle receives an accessory to be placed in axial alignment with the section of filament. The accessory cradle then moves into the proximate position to attach the accessory to the filament section.

Abstract: A filament organizer, for attaching an accessory to a section of filament, comprises a frame including a plurality of filament guides. The frame accommodates an accessory positioner adapted for sliding engagement therewith. A pair of spools, attached to the accessory positioner, has a section of filament extending from one to the other so that the filament passes around the plurality of filament guides of the frame to selectively position the section of filament. The accessory positioner includes an accessory cradle that moves from a retracted position to a proximate position. In its retracted position the accessory cradle receives an accessory to be placed in axial alignment with the section of filament. The accessory cradle then moves into the proximate position to attach the accessory to the filament section.

Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.

Abstract: A filament organizer, for attaching an accessory to a section of filament, comprises a frame including a plurality of filament guides. The frame accommodates an accessory positioner adapted for sliding engagement therewith. A pair of spools, attached to the accessory positioner, has a section of filament extending from one to the other so that the filament passes around the plurality of filament guides of the frame to selectively position the section of filament. The accessory positioner includes an accessory cradle that moves from a retracted position to a proximate position. In its retracted position the accessory cradle receives an accessory to be placed in axial alignment with the section of filament. The accessory cradle then moves into the proximate position to attach the accessory to the filament section.

Abstract: A method for increasing the photosensitivity of a selected portion of an optical fiber and for producing a grating in the selected portion of an optical fiber. The method includes the step of placing the selected portion of the optical fiber in a hydrogen containing atmosphere. The volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere immediately surrounding only the selected portion of the optical fiber is heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. Only the selected portion of the optical fiber is exposed to the heated volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 250° C. for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing an optical fiber Bragg grating, which in a preferred embodiment includes the steps of: (a) removing at least a portion of a removable coating on an optical fiber element in at least one section to sufficiently expose the optical fiber in the section for a subsequent treatment by a source of optical radiation; (b) fixing the at least one section with respect to the source of optical radiation; (c) directing optical radiation from the source into the optical fiber to produce at least one Bragg grating in the at least one section; and (d) covering the at least one section. The present invention also extends to an apparatus for carrying out the process steps described above, which includes means for coating removal, means for fiber immobilization, means for writing a Bragg grating, and means for packaging.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing an optical fiber Bragg grating, which in a preferred embodiment includes the steps of: (a) removing at least a portion of a removable coating on an optical fiber element in at least one predetermined section to sufficiently expose the optical fiber in the section for a subsequent treatment by a source of optical radiation; (b) fixing the at least one section with respect to the source of optical radiation; (c) directing optical radiation from the source into the optical fiber to produce at least one Bragg grating in the at least one section; and (d) covering the at least one section. The present invention also extends to an apparatus for carrying out the process steps described above, which includes means for coating removal, means for fiber immobilization, means for writing a Bragg grating, and means for packaging.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber device, which comprises the steps of providing an optical fiber element comprising an optical fiber having at least one thermally removable coating thereon, and thermally removing all or a predetermined portion of the thermally removable coating(s) to sufficiently expose said optical fiber for a subsequent processing step. Following removal of the thermally removable coating, the optical fiber has a predetermined median fracture stress, as measured according to FOTP-28. The optical fiber may then be processed into an optical fiber device and optionally recoated.

Abstract: Silica tubes and sleeves are used to protect fusion splices between the ends of the fiber coil and polarizing fibers. Use of silica for most of the subassembly components matches the coefficients of thermal expansion of the subassembly to that of the fiber coil, and also allows the coil to be annealed at extremely high temperatures. Annealing yields fiber coils of lowered birefringence, particularly when used with spun fibers. Ferrules are used to adjust the angular orientation of the fibers with respect to their planes of polarization.

Abstract: A holder for annealing a fiber optic coil uses a silica ring on a silica substrate, or silica tubular coil, either of which may be directly incorporated into a coil subassembly for a Faraday-effect current sensor. The ring may be formed in a silica plate by sandblasting or grinding, or formed separately and adhered to the plate. In the tubular holder embodiment, silica tubes and sleeves are used to protect fusion splices between the ends of the fiber coil and polarizing fibers. Use of silica for most of the subassembly components matches the coefficients of thermal expansion of the subassembly to that of the fiber coil, and also allows the coil to be annealed at extremely high temperatures. Annealing yields fiber coils of lowered birefringence, particularly when used with spun fibers. Ferrules are used to adjust the angular orientation of the fibers with respect to their planes of polarization.

Abstract: An optical fiber element includes an optical fiber having a numerical aperture ranging from 0.08 to 0.34 and a protective coating affixed to the outer surface of the optical fiber. The protective coating has a Shore D hardnees value of 65 or more and remains on the optical fiber during connectorization so that the fiber is neither damaged by the blades of a stripping tool nor subjected to chemical or physical attack.

Abstract: A coil of optical fiber can be self-supporting by bearing a layer of brittle thermoplastic adhesive that adheres adjacent convolutions of the fiber together. Because it is self-supporting, the coil needs no hub so that either end of the fiber can be unwound. Preferred thermoplastic adhesives are marketed in the optical industry as blocking waxes.

Abstract: A connector for an optical fiber cable is disclosed wherein strain relief features are provided for minimizing strain applied either to the external jacket of the cable or to the fiber such as during connecting operations is prevented from being coupled to the optical fiber. The connector thus includes strain relief members for securely anchoring the outer jacket of the cable and for anchoring strain relief fibers contained within the cable. Also, a resilient member is provided for allowing limited rearward movement of a member within which the optical fiber is anchored such as may occur during connection.

Abstract: A connector for use with a cable containing a plurality of optical fibers supported in a flexible matrix and disposed parallel to each other, such as in a flat ribbon configuration. The connector includes a substantially flat housing member having a rear opening corresponding in size and shape to a cable to be received. The opening has associated therewith means for anchoring the cable. Passageways through the housing are provided for the individual fibers to be received and anchored within fiber retaining members such that the fiber ends are accessible at the front of the housing to be coupled to fibers within a mated connector. The fiber retaining members are in turn adapted to be received into an abutting relationship within an alignment means which maintains the mated fibers in axial alignment when the connectors are mated.

Abstract: A connector structure for separably connecting optical fibers includes a pair of precision sleeves, each of which is adapted to surround one of the fibers such that the ends thereof are in axial alignment. A housing fitted around the sleeves maintains that alignment. After each fiber is fitted into a matching sleeve such that end portions thereof protrude through the sleeve, the fiber is permanently anchored therein to prevent relative motion and the end of the sleeve and fiber combination is ground substantially flat and perpendicular to the fiber axis. The end of the combination is then polished under a predetermined set of conditions selected to be consistent with predetermined wear characteristics of the sleeve and fiber in which the fiber is less wear resistant than the sleeve. During the polishing operation the fiber end becomes convex and recessed within the sleeve. A pair of fibers may thus be optically coupled by butting together the ends of two sleeves within an outer housing.