Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polanrzation retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polarization retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: In many optics applications, it is desirable to retard the polarization of a light wave, i.e., to change the polarization state of a light wave. In a method for retarding polarization of a light wave, a first linear polarization-maintaining fiber having a first beat length is spliced to a second polarization-maintaining fiber having a high birefringence and a second beat length. The second fiber is then cleaved to a length which is a fraction of the second beat length. The first fiber and the second fiber may be secured in a removable or permanent capillary. A light wave is transmitted into the first fiber and the polarization state of the light wave is determined. To adjust the polarization state, the second fiber may be lapped against an abrasive substance. The second fiber may be repeatedly lapped until a desired polarization state is achieved.

Abstract: An Integrated Optics Chip (IOC) package for an IOC, including a base having an upper support surface having a first raised surface and a dielectric gel disposed on the first raised surface of the base and adapted to couple to the IOC. The dielectric gel is sufficiently compliant to minimize stresses from structural changes in the base, accommodate a thermal mismatch between the IOC and the base, and reduce vibration. A first adhesive may be applied to a platform integral to the base that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the IOC from separating from the dielectric gel during vibration. A second adhesive may be applied on a second raised surface of the base to provide strain relief to the leads of the IOC. Advantages include the elimination of several components and manufacturing steps, improved strain relief and vibration dampening, as well as manufacturing time and cost savings.

Abstract: A method of packaging a fiber optic coupler formed of a plurality of optical fibers having a coupled region at which electromagnetic waves are coupled therebetween and at least one lead portion extending from the coupled region. A protective body is provided having a receiving space therein. The coupled region and a portion of the at least one lead portion are positioned within the receiving space. A slack in the at least one lead portion is created by affixing two points of the portion of the at least one lead portion to said protective body. The slack is created between the two points.

Abstract: A method resulting in a package for a fiber optic component includes positioning the fiber optic component within a primary protective body. A flat wrappable secondary protective material having an adhesive on one side thereof is then wrapped around the primary protective body a plurality of times. The flat wrappable secondary protective material may be marked prior to wrapping the primary protective body. The adhesive on the flat wrappable secondary protective material may include a pressure sensitive adhesive allowing the primary protective body to be unwrapped.

Abstract: A housing for fiber optic components reduces stress on optical fibers and protects the components from environmental shock and vibration. The housing includes a protective body having a receiving space wherein the fiber optic component is positioned. A rigid adhesive applied to the fibers in a specific stress reducing profile near the ends of the receiving space secures the component out of contact with the wall of the receiving space without inducing stress on the jacketless optical fibers. A gel support material fills the receiving space surrounding the component and providing vibration isolation. The invention is particularly uses for housing fiber optic couplers which are subject to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler includes at least two optical fibers having a coupled region and at least one lead portion extending therefrom. The optical fibers have a protective jacket thereon. The protective jacket is removed from the coupled region and from a region of the at least one lead portion adjacent the coupled region resulting in a jacketless coupled region, at least one jacketless lead portion and at least one jacketed lead portion. The fiber optic coupler further includes a protective body having a receiving space therein for receiving the coupled region. The protective body has at least one entrance from which said jacketed lead portion emerges. A rejacket material at least partially surrounds a length of the jacketless lead portion adjacent the jacketed lead portion resulting in a rejacketed lead portion.

Abstract: An optical fiber directional coupler housing having a primary protective body substantially formed as a rectangular block with a receiving space therein. A slot in the primary protective body provides the receiving space therein. The coupled portion of the coupler to be housed is positioned in the receiving space. A resilient support material having an index of refraction less than that of the coupled portion extends into the receiving space extending between the coupled portion of the coupler which it also at least partially surrounds and the primary protective body. Plugs are typically provided at the ends of the protective body to secure the optical fibers extending from the coupled portion to the body. A heat shrinkable tubing is used as a jacket which encompasses and extends beyond the primary body.