Abstract: A method for making a high-power fused collimator, and a fused collimator made thereby, are provided. A fused collimator is provided that includes an end of a stripped end portion of an optical fiber fused to a proximal face of a silica lens. In an embodiment, a joint formed by the fiber end and the silica lens proximal face is substantially surrounded with a solder glass in a melted form. A cross-sectional area of the solder glass decreases proximally from a distal edge adjacent the lens to a proximal edge located along the fiber's stripped end portion. The solder glass is permitted to harden, forming a fused collimator. In another embodiment, a ferrule surrounds the fiber stripped end portion, and an adhesive is applied to the ferrule's proximal face to surround the fiber. The lens-ferrule joint is surrounded with solder glass, which is then surrounded with a silica sleeve.

Abstract: A method for making a high-power fused collimator, and a fused collimator made thereby, are provided. A fused collimator is provided that includes an end of a stripped end portion of an optical fiber fused to a proximal face of a silica lens. In an embodiment, a toroidal element is positioned in surrounding relation to the fiber's stripped end portion, and a joint formed by the fiber end and the toroidal element proximal face is substantially surrounded with a solder glass in a melted form. A cross-sectional area of the solder glass decreases proximally from a distal edge adjacent the lens to a proximal edge located along the fiber's stripped end portion. Then the solder glass is permitted to harden, forming a fused collimator.