Abstract: An apparatus (100) is provided for dispersing heat from an integrated circuit (202) to a heat sink (404). The apparatus (100) is formed on a nonconductive body (102) having at least two conductive surfaces (110, 112) disposed thereon. One of the conductive surfaces (110) is reflowed to a heat generating lead of the integrated circuit (202), and the other conductive surface (112) provides a surface for contacting a heat sink (404). The apparatus (100) and integrated circuit provide a package (200) which can be tape and reeled (300) for easy mounting to a printed circuit board (402) of a communication device (400).

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided to compensate for temperature-induced drift in the center wavelength of an optical filter, such as an interference filter or an etalon filter. Interference filters can be used to filter out one among a number of narrow, closely-spaced channels in an optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communications system. Etalon filters can be used to lock the output wavelength of distributed feedback lasers and in other related applications. The center wavelength of interference filters and etalon filters changes with both temperature and the angle of incidence of the optical beam. The apparatus and associated method of the invention use a positioner with a different coefficient of thermal expansion to adjust the angle of incidence of the filter as the temperature changes, thereby offsetting the temperature-induced center wavelength change.

Abstract: A fiber optic attenuator having a predetermined, fixed attenuation value and low back reflection properties across a broad wavelength spectrum is disclosed. Attenuation is achieved by providing an optical fiber pathway having an attenuation region which causes a predetermined signal loss. The medium defining the pathway is of a substantially constant index of refraction through the device to minimize or eliminate interference caused by Fresnel reflections. An index matching material surrounds the area of attenuation to eliminate or minimize modal or cladding noise.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule received within a ferrule holder. The ferrule holder is provided with venting to evacuate air from an adhesive receiving chamber to avoid air pocket formation in adhesive.

Abstract: An adapter for holding two fiber optic connectors in coaxial alignment. The connectors include a generally cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore and a ferrule holder having means for retaining the ferrule and a raised ridge located on its outer surface. The connector further includes a grip housing having an axial bore in which the ferrule holder is located. The grip housing also includes a cut out through which the raised ridge of the ferrule holder is exposed. The adapter comprises a unitary main body having an axial bore connecting a first opening and a second opening. The axial cavity is sized to receive an inner housing. The inner housing has at least one retaining clip which is located exterior to an axial chamber within the inner housing. The retaining clip includes means to releasably lock the raised ridge of the ferrule holder in place when said connector is inserted into the axial cavity of the adapter.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a fiber within a The ferrule is received within a hub held in a barrel. An inner spring urges the ferrule and hub outwardly from the barrel. A nut is movably attached to the barrel. An outer spring biases the barrel toward a connector end of a housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a fiber within a ferrule. The ferrule is received within a hub held in a barrel. An inner spring urges the ferrule and hub outwardly from the barrel. A nut is movably attached to the barrel. An outer spring biases the barrel toward a connector end of a housing.

Abstract: A fiber cable retention mechanism for securing an optical fiber cable to an optical fiber connector includes a sleeve assembly having a longitudinal axis. The sleeve assembly has an inner passageway which is disposed along the axis and sized to receive the cable connecting end of the connector. The assembly is further sized to securely receive at least a portion of the cable between the assembly and the cable connecting end.

Abstract: A method of construction is disclosed for an optical switch having a first and second array of optical fibers held in axial alignment and relatively rotatable about an axis of rotation to effect optical coupling and decoupling of fibers of the opposing arrays. The method provides for polishing terminal ends of fibers of the arrays. The method includes holding the array against a complimentarily shaped reference surface while polishing with a polishing medium disposed between the surface and the array.