Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibers (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibers to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibers may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fiber. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the formation of optical fiber structures. An exemplary fiber laying head houses a source of optical fiber material to which an adhesive coating is applied prior to laying the adhesive-coated optical fiber material onto a substrate. The fiber laying head can also house a radiation source that generates a radiation beam to cure the adhesive in the adhesive-coated optical fiber material to form a bond between the adhesive-coated optical fiber material and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibres (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibres to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibres may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fibre. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for the formation of optical fibre structures. A fibre laying head (200) houses a source of optical fibre material (204) to which an adhesive coating is applied prior to laying the adhesive-coated optical fibre material onto a substrate (214). The fibre laying head (200) also houses a radiation source (212) that generates a radiation beam (216) to cure the adhesive in the adhesive-coated optical fibre material to form a bond between the adhesive-coated optical fibre material and the substrate.

Abstract: Communication apparatus for communicating data between a processor on board a vehicle and a display for a user of the vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first light source operable to generate a modulated output representative of the data, a first receiver for receiving the modulated output of the first light source; and a communication device for communication between the receiver and the display. The first receiver is mounted on a suit worn by the user in operation of the vehicle. The communication apparatus is expected to be applicable, for example, with head-mounted displays used by pilots of aircraft.