Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for determining a core-to-ferrule offset of a ferrule for a fiber optic connector. A reference ferrule is physically aligned with a core imager by positioning the reference ferrule so that edges of the reference ferrule in a plurality of profile images are aligned with fiducial markers in the images. The reference ferrule is incrementally rotated about its longitudinal center access, a core image captured at each rotational angle, and a reference core-to-ferrule offset determined based on the core images. A test ferrule is physically aligned with the core imager by positioning the test ferrule so that edges of the test ferule are aligned with the edges of the reference ferrule in a plurality of profile images. The core-to-ferrule offset of the test ferrule is then determined based on an offset between the test and reference cores in a composite core image.

Abstract: The hybrid measurement system includes an evanescent prism coupling spectroscopy (EPCS) sub-system and a light-scattering polarimetry (LSP) sub-system. The EPCS sub-system includes an EPCS light source system optically coupled to an EPCS detector system through an EPCS coupling prism. The LSP sub-system includes an LSP light source optically coupled to an optical compensator, which in turn is optically coupled to a LSP detector system via a LSP coupling prism. A support structure supports the EPCS and LSP coupling prisms to define a coupling prism assembly, which supports the two prisms at a measurement location. Stress measurements made using the EPCS and LSP sub-systems are combined to fully characterize the stress properties of a transparent chemically strengthened substrate. Methods of processing the EPCS and LSP measurements and enhanced configurations of the EPCS and LPS sub-systems to improve measurement accuracy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring signal loss in a fiber optic cable. The tail ends of reference and test fiber optic cables are illuminated with a diffuse light. The head end of each of the reference and test fiber optic cables are positioned in a measurement area. A core imager captures an image of the core of each head-end while it is in the measurement area. Reference and test radiant fluxes emitted from the reference and test head-ends are determined from the respective core images. The relative signal loss of the test fiber optic cable is then determined by comparing the test radiant flux to the reference radiant flux.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for determining a core-to-ferrule offset of a ferrule for a fiber optic connector. A reference ferrule is physically aligned with a core imager by positioning the reference ferrule so that edges of the reference ferrule in a plurality of profile images are aligned with fiducial markers in the images. The reference ferrule is incrementally rotated about its longitudinal center access, a core image captured at each rotational angle, and a reference core-to-ferrule offset determined based on the core images. A test ferrule is physically aligned with the core imager by positioning the test ferrule so that edges of the test ferule are aligned with the edges of the reference ferrule in a plurality of profile images. The core-to-ferrule offset of the test ferrule is then determined based on an offset between the test and reference cores in a composite core image.

Abstract: The hybrid measurement system includes an evanescent prism coupling spectroscopy (EPCS) sub-system and a light-scattering polarimetry (LSP) sub-system. The EPCS sub-system includes an EPCS light source system optically coupled to an EPCS detector system through an EPCS coupling prism. The LSP sub-system includes an LSP light source optically coupled to an optical compensator, which in turn is optically coupled to a LSP detector system via a LSP coupling prism. A support structure supports the EPCS and LSP coupling prisms to define a coupling prism assembly, which supports the two prisms at a measurement location. Stress measurements made using the EPCS and LSP sub-systems are combined to fully characterize the stress properties of a transparent chemically strengthened substrate. Methods of processing the EPCS and LSP measurements and enhanced configurations of the EPCS and LPS sub-systems to improve measurement accuracy are also disclosed.

Abstract: The focus-corrected optical filter apparatus includes multiple optical filter assemblies supported by a movable support member. Each optical filter assembly includes an optical filter and a corrector that form a filter-corrector pair that move together with the support member. Each corrector is formed to compensate for the adverse effects of chromatic aberration of a focusing lens at the given wavelength of the corresponding optical filter in the filter-corrector pair. Example correctors are flat glass plates with different thicknesses. The focus-corrected optical filter apparatus is arranged so that the different optical filter assemblies can be sequentially inserted into the optical path of a focused multi-wavelength light beam to sequentially form substantially monochromatic focused light beams having the different wavelengths but have the same focus position.

Abstract: Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples.

Abstract: Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples.