Abstract: A device for severing a dielectric optical waveguide comprising knife means, means for clamping a dielectric optical waveguide in closely spaced relationship with said knife means and an anvil which is movable towards said knife means. The anvil is so arranged and constructed that, in use, as it moves towards the knife means, it engages a dielectric optical waveguide clamped by said clamping means and urges it towards the knife means. When the waveguide comes into contact with the knife means it is under a given stress and has a predetermined configuration. The device also includes means for effecting movement of the anvil.

Abstract: A method of making an optical coupling between a first dielectric optical waveguide and a second dielectric optical waveguide comprising, launching light into one of said first or second dielectric optical waveguides, moving an end of said first dielectric optical waveguide towards an end of said second dielectric optical waveguide, observing light radiated from the end of said first dielectric optical waveguide, and when said radiated light reaches a minimum value, fixing said first dielectric optical waveguide relative to said second dielectric optical waveguide to form a permanent coupling.

Abstract: A device for severing a dielectric optical waveguide comprising at least one dielectric optical waveguide clamping means for holding a portion of said dielectric optical waveguide against an anvil means, means for applying a constant force to said anvil means independent of displacement of said anvil means so that a pre-set tension is applied to said dielectirc optical waveguide, and knife means for engaging said dielectric optical waveguide and initiating a fracture through said dielectric optical waveguide.