Abstract: A torch specifically adapted for the manufacture of optical fiber couplers is provided. The torch has a rod and nozzle of, preferably machinable, ceramic. The rod has an inlet for connection to a gas supply source, an outlet, and a gas channel connecting the inlet to the outlet. The nozzle has an inlet for receiving gas from the rod outlet, and an enlarged outlet connected to the nozzle inlet for discharging gas for ignition. The shapes and dimensions of the parts of the torch can be modified for the specific manufacturing requirements for an optical fiber coupler. During the manufacture of optical fiber couplers, the torch can be maintained in an ignited state so that the fusing of optical fibers can be performed uniformly and reliably.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a workstation for automatically manufacturing a coupler between at least two optical fibers. The workstation has a control unit for directing operations of said workstation and an operations unit for performing the manufacturing steps for the coupler. The operations unit has a pair of clamps for holding the optical fibers for the formation of a coupling region between the clamps, a torch for heating a predetermined length of the fibers between the clamps to fuse the fibers, motor assemblies responsive to the control unit for driving the clamps, a source laser block for generating an input signal into the optical fibers, and a laser measurement block which measures the signal from laser source block to determine characteristics of the coupling region between the optical fibers.

Abstract: An assembly for tuning a laser by a stepper motor alone is provided. A diffraction grating forming a resonance cavity with an end of the laser is rotated by the stepper motor. A follower arm affixed to the rotatable grating, engages a cam, which is driven by the stepper motor. The cam and follower arm are designed so that there is a linear relationship between the rotation of the stepper motor and that of the grating.