Abstract: A microlens is precisely positioned on the end of an optical fiber by urging the fiber against a moving abrasive lap at a desired angle and simultaneously turning the fiber end, either continuously or in discrete steps. The turning causes the fiber end to contact the abrasive at points all around its periphery, thereby removing material equally from all sides of the fiber and producing a precise lens form. The pressure with which the fiber end is urged against the abrasive is maintained substantially constant by spring action of the fiber. The resulting conical lens is centered on the fiber by action of friction forces which constrain the fiber to rotate in a fixed position despite the fiber's freedom of movement within a guide tube. The invention repeatably provides optically accurate lenses of a variety of conifurgations centered to within one micron on fibers of all types, including polarization-preserving fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing enlongatge members of generally cylindrical form in end-to-end relationship, particularly for forming an optic fiber splice. Optic fibers are spliced by pressing a form, preferably an optic fiber of the same diameter as those to be spliced, into a deformable body to create a groove for receiving the ends of the optic fibers in close alignment. To secure the optic fibers, an index matching adhesive is cured by UV irradiation through a glass cover plate bonded to the deformable body.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate member of generally cylindrical form, such as an optical fiber, is placed in a predetermined position utilizing a substrate having a surface that is defined by a generatrix that is a straight line, e.g. a flat surface. A foil of flexible material is secured to the surface of the substrate and defines with the substrate a generally straight, elongate passageway that is parallel to the generatrix of the surface and has a first portion of substantially uniform cross-section adapted to receive an end of the elongate member in closely fitting relationship and also has a second portion that tapers towards the first portion. The end portion of the elongate member is inserted into the first portion of the passageway by way of the second portion thereof.

Abstract: Alignment is established between a member that defines an optical path and a semiconductor device that, when electrically biased, emits light in a predetermined direction, so as to establish an optically coupled relationship between the member and the device, by passing light along the optical path in a direction towards the semiconductor device, so that light is incident on the semiconductor device. An electrical characteristic of the semiconductor device is observed, and relative movement between the member and the device is brought about until the electrical characteristic indicates a desired degree of optical coupling between the member and the device, and the device and the member are then mechanically coupled together.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate member of generally cylindrical form, such as an optical fiber, is placed in a predetermined position utilizing a substrate having a surface that is defined by a generatrix that is a straight line, e.g. a flat surface. A foil of flexible material is secured to the surface of the substrate and defines with the substrate a generally straight, elongate passageway that is parallel to the generatrix of the surface and has a first portion of substantially uniform cross-section adapted to receive an end of the elongate member in closely fitting relationship and also has a second portion that tapers towards the first portion. The end portion of the elongate member is inserted into the first portion of the passageway by way of the second portion thereof.

Abstract: A joystick apparatus is disclosed having a minimum number of component parts associated therewith. The joystick apparatus comprises a first potentiometer, a second potentiometer, a bracket interconnected between the shafts of said first and second potentiometers, and a joystick connected to the base of one of the potentiometers. The bracket is interconnected between the shafts of the first and second potentiometers in a manner such that a movement of the joystick along one axis will impart a rotational movement to the shaft of one potentiometer, but will not impart a rotational movement to the shaft of the other potentiometer.