Abstract: A method of making short length fused fiber optical couplers and couplers made by the method. In a first step, fibers are fused by heating and pulled to form a taper section. Preferably, the fibers are twisted to assure good fusion. After pulling, in a second heating step, heat is applied to a portion of the taper section while the fibers are held stationary. The fibers are not pulled during the second heating step. The coupling ratio is monitored during the second heating step. The coupling ratio changes slowly during the second heating step and the heat is removed shortly before a desired coupling ratio is achieved. The residual heat continues to change the coupling until the desired coupling ratio is achieved. Couplers made according to the present method have a relatively short length. Couplers made according to the present method have a melted zone located in the taper section. The melted zone has a more rounded shape than the taper section due to surface tension.