Abstract: An assembly for end-to-end coupling, and decoupling, of optical fibers in which the fibers are captured in a selectively expandable channel defined between a plurality of thermally actuated, shape memory vanes. The vanes are configured to provide flared ends to the channel that guide optical fibers into the channel from a precision groove in a surrounding casing. The fibers are retained within the groove of the casing by a leaf spring that prevents deflection of the fibers while holding them in place until the channel contracts around them. The thermally actuated, shape memory vanes are contained within a collar that provides a spring bias which maintains the contracted channel size at room temperature when the vanes are not thermally activated to thus securely capture and hold the optical fibers. The vanes, as an alternative, may be coated with a resilient material that adapts the channel dimensions to slightly different fiber diameters, providing exact fiber centering within the channel.

Abstract: A tool is provided for the cleaving or separation of optical fibers so as to provide a flat perpendicular end face for the fiber. In the cleaving process, fiber is inserted into a slot and extends between an opposing scribe and anvil positioned at the end of the slot. In order to cleave the fiber, the fiber is first moved in a direction towards the scribe which, when it touches the fiber, produces a mark or surface imperfection on the outer surface of the fiber or its cladding. After scribing, the fiber is moved in an opposite direction over the anvil at which point the fiber is broken at the scribe mark.

Abstract: An interconnect for ferruled optical fibers which assures that the ferrule tips will not touch when inserted into an interconnect housing provides for a small, repeatable, yet non-zero spacing between the ends of opposed ferrules through a manufacturing technique in which the interconnect housing is provided with inserts pressfit into the housing utilizing a tool that establishes a precise spacing for the distal ends of the inserts regardless of the lengths of the inserts, thereby to provide precisely spaced-apart recessed seats for the flanges of the ferrules. The use of inserts also permits the formation of a central cavity in which an alignment sleeve may be either loosely or tightly captured. In one embodiment, a carrier is provided for the alignment sleeve to insure retention of the alignment sleeve during manufacture or use. In other embodiments, recessed seat spacing is provided by a precise length part or parts.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck particularly suited for use with optical fibers includes a V-shaped channel provided with "hold-down" suction and extending across the middle of a plane surface for placement of an optical fiber. The V-shaped channel is formed by abutting chamfered edges of two metal, solid rectangular jaw blocks. Slots along the abutting sides of the jaw blocks extend away from the chamfered edges to form passages for applying suction to the V-shaped channel for retention of the fiber therein. The passages are centered in the channel and the suction drawn through them pulls the fiber directly down into the V-shaped channel for precise centering therein. The top surfaces of the jaw blocks form a plane surface which extends laterally onto the shoulder of a support base. The generally planar surface facilitates placement and visual confirmation of the alignment of the fiber thereon and further permits mechanical securing of the fiber by tape or other means so that suction is not continuously required.

Abstract: In drawing an optical waveguide, the blank is heated by a beam of laser radiation which has substantially zero power from the axis of the blank to a prescribed radial position and substantially uniform power from that position to a greater radial position. A rotating spinner splits radiation from the laser into two rotating beams, the paths of which are made to be non-intersecting with the axis of the blank being drawn. A conical reflector forms the radiation into a circumferential beam through which the blank passes.

Abstract: In drawing an optical waveguide, the blank is heated by a beam of laser radiation which has substantially zero power from the axis of the blank to a prescribed radial position and substantially uniform power from that position to a greater radial position. A rotating spinner splits radiation from the laser into two rotating beams, the paths of which are made to be non-intersecting with the axis of the blank being drawn. A conical reflector forms the radiation into a circumferential beam through which the blank passes.

Abstract: A coupler is disclosed for properly positioning the endface of an optical waveguide filament with respect to an optoelectronic device in a repeatable fashion. Three elongated rods of deformable material are disposed in mutually contacting relationship within a bore which terminates at the device. After a filament is inserted into the aperture between the rods so that its endface is disposed adjacent to the device, an elastomeric washer is caused to deform inwardly against the rods, thereby causing them to engage the filament. Since the ends of the rods adjacent to the device are secured in the bore, the filament may be replaced by other filaments, the endfaces of which will be precisely positioned with respect to the optoelectronic device.