Abstract: An apparatus is provided for causing a change in the physical condition of an optical fiber in order to analyze the effects of modal noise on a communication system in which the optical fiber is used. One method for performing the physical change is to flex the fiber in a flexing station that comprises two clamps that are attached to generally opposite sides of a multiple turn loop of optical fiber that is twisted to form a figure-eight pattern. The two clamps are moved away from each other and toward each other to flex the optical fiber by twisting, compressing and expanding it. A second means for changing the condition of the optical fiber is to provide an optical attenuation block that is designed to hold opposite termini of the optical fiber at a discontinuity formed therein. Two halves of the block are configured to be movable relative to each other in response to threaded members passing through selective portions of the block.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for causing a change in the physical condition of an optical fiber in order to analyze the effects of modal noise on a communication system in which the optical fiber is used. One method for performing the physical change is to flex the fiber in a flexing station that comprises two clamps that are attached to generally opposite sides of a multiple turn loop of optical fiber that is twisted to form a figure-eight pattern. The two clamps are moved away from each other and toward each other to flex the optical fiber by twisting, compressing and expanding it. A second means for changing the condition of the optical fiber is to provide an optical attenuation block that is designed to hold opposite termini of the optical fiber at a discontinuity formed therein. Two halves of the block are configured to be movable relative to each other in response to threaded members passing through selective portions of the block.

Abstract: A method is provided to heat a plurality of components to a preselected temperature that creates a tackiness at the surface of a preformed solder component and permits the preformed solder component to adhere to a first metallic surface of a first component. When the preselected temperature is reached, the components are rapidly cooled to prevent diffusion that would result from further heating and melting of the preformed solder component. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first component is a lens that has a first metallic surface rigidly attached thereto. A second metallic surface is attached to a ceramic body and a preformed solder component is disposed between the first and second metallic surfaces.

Abstract: An optoelectronic connector is provided which attaches an optical fiber to one portion of a base structure and provides a opening in which a photosensitive device or a light emitting device can be disposed. The device is movable within an opening of the base to permit active alignment between the photosensitive device and an optical fiber attached to the base of the connector. An alignment member is attached to the photosensitive device to facilitate its movement relative to the base during the act of alignment process. An adapter is disposed between the alignment member and the base to permit the alignment member to be rigidly and permanently attached to the base by resistance welding even though the materials of the alignment member and the base are incompatible with each other and not amenable for welding together. The adapter is attached to the base by connecting it in interference relation therewith.

Abstract: A method for welding copper to a ferrous alloy is provided in which an end of the copper wire, either in a single conductor form or a plurality of strands, is exposed to an electrical discharge to form a globule that is generally spherical. The globule is formed by a melting and rapid resolidification of the copper conductor. The generally spherical globule is then placed in contact with a generally flat surface of a ferrous allow terminal. Very slight pressure is provided to avoid deforming the spherical copper globule as a current is passed through both the globule and the ferrous alloy terminal.