Abstract: A mount apparatus, and methods for forming and using the same, are disclosed for at least one coupling optic requiring alignment along an optical transmission axis. A flanged optical assembly tube is provided, within which the coupling optic is placed along an optical transmission axis, the tube having a flange projecting outwardly from its surface. A mount for supporting the tube is provided, having a base section and an upright section perpendicular to the base. The upright section of the mount includes a vertical surface against which at least one surface of the flange of the tube is affixed. Structural and corrective laser welding techniques are disclosed for permanently mounting and aligning the mount apparatus in an optical component package, aligned with other devices. One such optical component disclosed is an optical waveguide amplifier, having a channel waveguide to and from which aligned optical signals are transmitted.

Abstract: Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems (100) are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic (30), and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic (30). In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the optical fiber (30), thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. A controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In an improved embodiment, a controllable material is formed over the exposed surface for controlling the amount of optical energy extracted from the fiber optic, and a bulk material is formed over the controllable material, into which the extracted optical energy is radiated.

Abstract: Mechanically adjustable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems are disclosed for adjustably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic, and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic. In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the fiber optic, thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. A cylindrical-shaped preform is selectively positioned into and out of engagement, e.g., physical contact, with the interaction surface of the side-polished fiber for adjustably extracting the optical energy.

Abstract: A polishing fixture, and method, comprising a base. A shaft joined with the base. A platform joined with the shaft and located remote from the base. A sample holder joined with the shaft, wherein the platform moves relative to the base and the sample holder. In operation, the invention comprises affixing a device to the sample holder of the fixture and then placing the fixture on a polishing surface in a polishing position wherein the device is automatically positioned adjacent to the polishing surface. Thereafter, the fixture can be removed from the polishing surface and the fixture inverted to assume a position for inspecting the device.

Abstract: A polishing fixture, and method, comprising a base. A shaft is joined with the base. A platform is joined with the shaft and located remote from the base. A sample holder is joined with the shaft, wherein the platform moves relative to the base and the sample holder. In operation, the invention comprises fixing a device to the sample holder of the fixture and then placing the fixture on a polishing surface in a polishing position wherein the device is automatically positioned adjacent the polishing surface.

Abstract: Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic, and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic. In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the fiber optic, thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. A controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In an improved embodiment, a controllable material is formed over the exposed surface for controlling the amount of optical energy extracted from the fiber optic, and a bulk material is formed over the controllable material, into which the extracted optical energy is radiated.

Abstract: A log splitting machine having a disk-like blade rotatable about an axis and able to split a log in a single 360.degree. rotation about said axis. The blade has two parts, each of which performs a different function. The first part of the blade has a spiral-shaped cutting edge designed to sufficiently penetrate into an end of a log to be split so as to form a lengthwise crack in the log. The second part of the blade has a widening edge designed to separate the log into two pieces along the lengthwise crack with further rotation of the blade. The log splitting machine also includes: an adjustable backstop for accommodating logs of different length; a frame for supporting the blade, log and adjustable backstop; an electric motor for powering the blade through a 360.degree. rotation; and a hood covering the blade and motor, and a deadman control switch for increased operator safety.