Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical switch that enables size reduction of the switch, facilitation of positioning of an optical fiber, simplification of the structure of an actuator, improvements in assembly operability and reliability of the apparatus, facilitation of an application to a multi-core structure, facilitation of alignment of a plurality of optical fibers, and the like. A displacement stage 5 for mounting a single optical fiber 2 thereon, an elevating stage 20 for mounting a plurality of second optical fibers 3 thereon in a lateral line, and a linear encoder 14 for controlling a coil motor 9 are disposed in a case 1. The displacement stage 5 is displaced by the coil motor in the horizontally lateral direction. Simultaneously, the elevating stage 20 is moved upward by the actuator 19, and the first optical fiber 2 is caused to abut against an arbitrary second optical fiber to selectively couple them, thereby switching the optical path of an optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a primary optical fiber terminating in a primary window, and a plurality of secondary optical fibers each terminating in a secondary window facing in the same direction as and spaced laterally from the primary window. A primary lens on a primary axis has a focal point positioned on the axis at the central window. Each of a plurality of secondary lenses has an axis and a focal point positioned on such axis at a secondary window. The secondary axes are parallel to and equidistant from the primary axis. A retroreflector is spaced from the lenses oppositely from each window and has an optical axis centered parallel to the primary axis midway between the primary axis and any of the secondary fibers. A stepper motor rotates the retroreflector about the primary axis to each of a plurality of selected positions to provide optical switching for light transmission between the primary fiber and any selected secondary fiber.

Abstract: A rotary fiber optic switch switches a first optical fiber among a plurality of second optical fibers. The switch is calibrated with a control mechanism such that movement of the rotated fiber to a prescribed position achieves a maximum power transmission between the first fibers and an opposing one of said plurality.

Abstract: A laser radiation source apparatus comprises a laser source means for producing laser radiation; a stepped-index optical fiber; first coupling means for coupling the laser source means with one end of the stepped-index optical fiber; and second coupling means for coupling the other end of the stepped-index optical fiber with another fiber suitable for transmission of laser radiation. The stepped-index fiber optic includes a core suitable for transmission of laser radiation, which is encompassed by at least one cladding layer and a buffer layer, in which the refractive index value for the core is greater than the refractive index value for the cladding layer, and the refractive index value for the cladding layer is greater than the refractive index for the buffer layer, so that laser radiation transmitted into the cladding layer is transmitted through the fiber. Single index fibers having several diameters may be coupled to the apparatus.

Abstract: An optical time delay device includes a switching component butt-coupled to one or two delay line components. The switching component is a planar substrate with an optical waveguide switching array formed thereon. The delay line component is a second planar substrate with a plurality of optical waveguides of different optical lengths. The input ends and output ends of the waveguides are disposed along the butt-coupled edge of the second substrate. The waveguides and switches are arranged so that the switches direct an incoming optical signal to a selected one or more of said waveguides. In a preferred embodiment, one of the waveguides has an optical length .DELTA.L, and the remaining waveguides have optical lengths which are multiples of .DELTA.L. The use of planar substrates with electro-optic and passive waveguide circuits allows for a modular approach, with interchangeable delay line components chosen for a particular application and butt-coupled to the switching component.

Abstract: A luminous pull-cord for facilitating the operation of an electrical switch, comprising a length of fiber optic cord coupled to and illuminated by a light source as a means for actuating said electrical switch whereby said light conducting fiber is grasped and then pulled.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic rotary joint is provided for connecting optical fibers across a rotary-stationary interface. The rotary joint comprises a rotary hub mounted within a stationary housing which defines a cylindrical outer rim, in combination with a fiber optic tape connected between the hub and rim and adapted for respective connection at said hub and rim to a pair of fiber optic cables. The tape is coiled about the hub and extends therefrom with a reverse bend for coiling within the outer rim, whereby the tape unwraps from the hub for wrapping within the outer rim, and vice versa, in accordance with the direction of hub rotation. A tape guide unit includes rollers for maintaining the reverse bend as the tape is transferred between the inner hub and the outer rim.

Abstract: A servo-feedback method with elements for dynamically aligning a pair of mating ends of optical fibers supported in a pluggable connector. At least one of the mating ends in the pair receives light from the other mating end. The light-receiving end is mechanically vibrated (dithered) by a piezo-electric driving element relative to the other mating end in the pair to dither modulate the light passing to the receiving end. The dither modulation on the dither modulated light is electrically detected and processed relative to a dither reference wave using an analog-to-digital converter and a processor method. The detected dither modulation presents a unique waveform, in which a frequency doubling effect occurs in both half cycles of the dither reference waveform whenever the mating ends dither about their steady-state aligned position, and no dynamic error signal is then generated.

Abstract: Optical metrology apparatus, specifically a laser probe (1), includes a frame (10) comprised of a material selected to have a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion. A beamsplitter (36) is coupled to the frame for generating a sample beam optical path (D) and a reference beam optical path (C). The beamsplitter is optically coupled to an optical fiber (12) that delivers radiation to and conveys radiation from the frame. A piezoelectric stack (48) has an excitation signal coupled thereto and includes a mirror (26) for phase modulating the reference beam optical path length in response to the excitation signal. The laser probe includes a first strain gauge (58) that is coupled to the piezoelectric stack and a second strain gauge (60) that is coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A novel photomechanical positioning method using optic fibers, and one embodiment of an apparatus that employs the method, is described. The method comprises providing an optic fiber that changes length in response to the transmission of a light beam through the fiber. The optic fiber is attached to an object capable of movement in response to a change in the fiber's length. An illustrated embodiment of an apparatus employing such method is an interferometer that includes an optic fiber made from a polymeric organic material. A movable mirror forms one arm of the interferometer, and is attached to the optic fiber for movement in response to changes in the length of the fiber. A light source, such as a laser, is used to generate a beam of light that is transmitted through the optic fiber. The system also generally includes a feedback path for transmitting a portion of the light beam into the end of the fiber opposite the end of the fiber to which the object is attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the path of an optical signal are disclosed. An optical bypass device having an optical input and output, and a waveguiding region optically connecting the input and output, is used to form a multiplicity of improved connectors and switches. In a first embodiment of the device, the waveguiding region comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces. In a second embodiment, the waveguiding region comprises a core of optically suitable material and a layer of cladding, where the relationship between the refractive index of the core and cladding is such that an optical signal may be guided by the core. The optical bypass device is integrated, with and without actuating means, into various connectors to provide loopback of an optical signal when a connector is demated.

Abstract: A transmission line switching apparatus comprises an optical fiber connecting board for holding a plurality of first optical fibers, an optical fiber arranging board, arranged apart from the connecting board with a predetermined spacing between them in the horizontal direction, for holding a plurality of second optical fibers, and a robot for handling the second fibers. Each second optical fiber extends to the connecting board through the arranging board, and the distal end of the second optical fiber is detachably attached to the connecting board so as to be selectively connected to one of the first optical fibers. When the distal end of the second optical fiber is attached to the connecting board, the second optical fiber is laterally extended in a loosened state between the two boards. In this state, the entangled states of the second optical fibers near the two boards are sparser than that in the intermediate position between the two boards. Therefore, the robot can easily handle the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A coupling between optical fibers, one of which rotates respective a light ensor coupled to another such fiber. The light emanating from the end of the fiber facing the sensor reaches such sensor directly or it is focused onto it by a lens. The area of the sensor is larger than the fiber diameter, which is axially mounted in the rotating body, so as to cancel out misalignments resulting from high speed rotations of the fiber respective the sensor.

Abstract: An optical slip ring for acting as an interface between rotary member and a stationary detector includes a source for generating a light beam directed at a sensor on the rotary member and an optical fiber transmitting said beam to the sensor. The sensor generates in response a sensor signal indicative of a physical parameter of interest. This sensor signal is transmitted through the fiber to an output lens for pick up by a stationary detector.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing (10) that bears a movable linkage (12). The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head (18) and incorporates optical fibers for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped "elbow" member (14), pivotally attached to a "shoulder" member (16). In turn, the "shoulder" member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. Dynamic couplings join the optical fibers such that the shapes thereof remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table (20) for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate (22) that contains a plurality of analyte samples.

Abstract: A coaxial-waveguide assemblage is disclosed herein of the invention includes a first coaxial transmission line having a first inner and a first outer conductor. The inventive assemblage further includes a waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the first coaxial transmission line, where an inner surface of the waveguide bounds a signal propagation space. The waveguide is also electromagnetically coupled to a second coaxial transmission having a second inner and a second outer conductor. The inner conductor of the second coaxial transmission line is disposed to rotate about a first vertical axis, thereby enabling the second coaxial transmission line to be connected to a rotating antenna. In a particular implementation the coaxial-waveguide assemblage is disposed within a rotary joint operative to couple electromagnetic energy between first and second signal ports.

Abstract: In a spectrophotometer, each of a plurality of source optical fibers is selectively receptive of source radiation and carries the radiation to a corresponding selected liquid sample cell. A corresponding return optical fiber returns transmitted radiation from the sample to a polychromator. For selecting a sample, a switching member holds exposed ends of the optical fibers on a circle coaxial with an axle for rotating to selected positions. Respective optical trains in the instrument direct radiation into and out of the selected pair of fibers. The diameter of a source aperture, the spacing of the aperture from the radiation source, and the source area define a source etendue. The optical fibers have a fiber etendue substantially the same as the source etendue.

Abstract: Rotary mechanical splices between axially aligned optic fibers are seated der axial compression within bays recessed into the body of a holding tray on which a retention lid is fastened in a position to which it is guided by fins on its underside received in grooves formed in the tray body. In such position of the lid on the tray, the lid underside surface covers access formations and the bays between the fins having portions covering fiber slots in the tray through which the optic fibers extend in alignment with their splices.

Abstract: An optical fiber switching apparatus having a guide frame which is supported by an apparatus body. The guide frame has a guide groove. Disposed on the guide grooves is a movable moving member. The moving member can be moved by the apparatus along the guide groove. A slide terminal is connected by a support to the moving member. The support allows the slide terminal to approach the moving member and thereby causing the slide terminal to enter an unlocked position or to move away from the moving member and thereby causing the slide terminal to enter a locked position. The slide terminal support an end face of an optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a driving wire which has two end portions. The end portions are disposed through the moving member and are coupled to the slide terminal, thereby forming a loop in the driving wire.

Abstract: A rotary control device is provided comprising a light source (22), at least one light receptor (24) radially spaced from the light source (22), a light director (14) having means for directing light from the light source (22) to the receptor (24) and means for rotating the director (14) so that the light director (14) is in a first position when not directing light from the light source (22) to the light receptor (24) and the light director (14) is in a second position when directing light from the light source (22) to the light receptor (24). In another aspect of the invention, the optical rotary device further comprises an isolator (26) made of opaque material which surrounds four sides of the light receptor (24) and four sides of the light source (22). In a further aspect of the invention the light director includes a reflector (46) for directing the light from the light source (22) to the light receptors (24).

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic rotatable interconnection system for coupling tical signals from a plurality of diverse optical signal sources at a source location to a like plurality of optical signal receivers at a destination location rotatable relative to each other. The interconnection system comprises an input fiber and an output fibber both of which are comprised of step-index multi-mode optical fibers. The input fiber includes an input end which receives optical signals from the optical signal sources, the fiber forming a composite optical signal therefrom. The optical signal sources are positioned at diverse polar angles relative to the input end of the input fiber to provide a plurality of optical transmission modes having minimal crosstalk, so that the composite optical signal can be resolved into its component optical signals at the destination.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical fiber switching device having a coupling board comprising a plurality of first optical fibers connected to one surface of the coupling board in the arrangement to one surface of the coupling board, a plurality of second optical fibers connected to the another surface of the coupling board, an optical fiber length adjusting unit for handling surplus portions of the second optical fibers and switching unit for pulling out any one of the second optical fibers selected from the plural second optical fibers from the another surface of the connecting board and for connecting the any one optical fiber to different switching position of the another surface of the connecting board to coupling the any one optical fiber with any one of the first optical fibers.

Abstract: Both the fiber and the bulk Fabry-Perot etalons can be made temperature insensitive by the addition of a compensator element. This element adjusts the optical length of the air-gap in the etalon cavity so as to compensate for any changes in the optical length of the fiber or the etalon slab due to ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting optical and/or electrical conductors comprises a first connector part with a first guiding plate with one or more guiding channels for first conductors and a second connector part to be coupled with the first connector part and having a second guiding plate with one or more guiding channels provided in a corresponding manner for second conductors to be connected with the first conductors. The guiding plates comprise positioning means for mutually positioning the guiding plates in the coupled position of the connector parts, said positioning means comprising a first lug and a first slot with cooperating straight reference surfaces extending in x-direction and a second lug and second slot with cooperating straight reference surfaces extending in y-direction. All said reference surfaces are located at a predetermined location with respect to the guiding channels.

Abstract: A passive multi-channel optical fiber rotary joint couples optical fiber munication channels via axially bilaterally symmetrically disposed lens housings, or array pieces, for receiving miniature-collimation-lenses to one and the other sides of an image-derotation-prism-and-prism-rotational-drive-subassembly including an image derotation prism which rotates at a predetermined ratio of the relative rotation of the array pieces. This establishes transverse pseudo-planar rotary interfaces respectively between the one and another array piece and the confronting sides of the prism-and-prism-drive-subassembly.

Abstract: A method for assembling a light wave guide switch calls for a switch having two groups of front ends of light wave guides. Each group of front ends faces the other group of front ends and each group is disposed on opposite sides of a coupling plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the light wave guides. The switch also has centering devices that extend parallel to each other, without offset, from a first end of a base plate to a second end of the base plate. The centering devices secure a plurality of light wave guides each extending through the coupling plane when each of the wave guides forms a single component. The method includes the steps of coupling the first end of the base plate to a stationary part of the switch and coupling a second end of the base plate to a drivable part of the switch while the switch is in the given switching position.

Abstract: A 1.times.N fiber optic switch is disclosed for selectively coupling light from a first fiber to any one of a plurality of output fibers. The switch includes a coupler in which the first optical fiber and the plurality of optical fibers are elongated in a narrowed coupling region. The coupling region can be bent in various directions to cause the radius of curvature of the input fiber to differ from that of at least one of the output fibers, whereby light propagating in the input fiber can be coupled to only one of the output fibers or to more than one of those fibers.

Abstract: A light waveguide signal detector enables testing for the transmission of a signal in a light waveguide without disturbing the transmission of the signal. The light waveguide signal detector comprises a base part having a pressure trough lined with an optically transparent material, at least one light receiver being arranged under the elastic material, a pressure part for deflecting the light waveguide to obtain an emergence of a light signal therefrom and a light covering for protecting against stray light surrounding a portion of the pressure part which engages the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical bypass switch includes a normal state and a bypass state, a transmission optical fiber having a signal withdrawn therefrom and injected thereto in its normal state so as to be capable of use in a ring or bus architecture. In the bypass state of the switch, the transmission optical fiber is substantially disengaged so that a signal being transmitted thereby can bypass the switch, and in this state optical fibers connected to a transmitter and a receiver of the bypass switch are maintained in a bent attitude so as to allow signals to be withdrawn and injected thereinto. A loop back path, e.g. a connector optical fiber, is provided which allows a path between the transmitter and the receiver to be completed in the bypass state of the bypass switch, and logic circuitry is provided for analyzing signals detected by the receiver which should have originated from the transmitter for evaluating a state of operation of the transmitter, receiver, and connecting means therefor.

Abstract: An optical transmission device for use on an apparatus for disposing a sleeve in encircling relation on an article unit is disclosed. Signals are sent and received between two data handling devices monitoring the machine. The first data handling device is positioned on a rotating portion of the apparatus and the second data handling device is positioned on another portion of the apparatus independent of the rotating portion. The optical transmission device comprises a first optical fiber element attached at a first end to the first rotating data handling device. The first element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric. A second optical fiber element is also included and is attached at a first end to the second data handling device. The second element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric and correspond to the inner and outer portions of the first element.

Abstract: In a method of coupling an optical fiber to an optical component on the same substrate, eccentricity of the core of a coupling fiber is exploited to adjust the vertical position of the core by rotation of the fiber about its axis. This adjustment is carried out with the fiber held in contact with a horizontal reference surface of a substrate also carrying a laser diode constituting the component to which the fiber must be coupled. The method can be used to implement transmission headers for optical fiber telecommunication systems.

Abstract: An optical matrix switch includes a first guide mechanism having plural guide portions arranged in parallel, a first slider for holding an optical fiber, the first slider being freely slidably mounted along a guide portion of the first guide mechanism, a first partition member for isolating a surplus-length portion of the optical fiber along the guide portion of the first guide mechanism the optical fiber being connected to the first slider, and first drive means for moving the first slider along the guide portion of the first guide mechanism.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating the intensity of a light beam emerging from an optical fiber comprises a wedge-shaped attenuator disk made of an absorbing material and a transparent disk which is also wedge-shaped and fixed to the absorbing disk. For adjusting different attenuations, the attenuator disk together with the transparent disk are rotated around an axis by a motor. By rotating the disk, the thickness of the absorbing material through which the beam passes and thus the attenuation of the beam can be varied continuously. After passage through the attenuator disk, a corner cube reflects the beam back into the direction where it came from, so that it passes a second time through the transparent plate and the attenuator disk. This second passage occurs at a location which is shifted relative to the location of the first passage (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper). The transmitted beam impinges on a prism from which it is directed via a lens into an optical fiber.

Abstract: A multi-line, passive fiber optic slipring is provided. A plurality of trmitting optical fibers are terminated in a plurality of focusing lenses. The fibers and focusing lens are free to rotate about an axis rotation. A plurality of ellipsoidal mirrors are stacked on top of one another beneath the focusing lenses such that the axis of rotation passes through a first focal point of each of the plurality of ellipsoidal mirrors. Each of the focusing lenses focuses optical signals through the first focal point of a corresponding one of the ellipsoidal mirrors. The optical signals reflect from each corresponding mirror to a second focal point of the corresponding mirror. Each mirror is further provided with an optical aperture along the axis of rotation to allow the optical signals not focused on the first focal point of the corresponding mirror to pass therethrough. Each of a plurality of receiving optical fibers is fixed at a corresponding one of the second focal points.

Abstract: A connector for coupling an end of a light-transmitting conduit comprises a pivotable socket for mounting adjacent an opening through which light from a light source passes and having a passage therethrough formed to allow an end of a light-transmitting conduit to be coupled to the socket. The connector also comprises a shutter piece extending from the socket so as substantially to block light passing through the opening from entering the passage when the socket is in a first position, and substantially to expose the opening to allow light passing through the opening to enter the passage and pass into the conduit when the socket is in a second position.

Abstract: A technique for reducing signal degradation and fading within a long optical transmission by utilizing a rotating waveplate arrangement to rotate the SOP of an optical signal launched into the transmission system, and thereby minimize polarization dependent hole-burning ("PDHB"). This effectively reduces the degree of polarization of the launched optical signal, without degrading the noise and dispersion characteristics of the signal. The rate of waveplate rotation is chosen to ensure that the SOP of the launched signal does not remain at a particular SOP long enough to anisotropically saturate any optical amplifier employed within the transmission system, and give rise to PDHB.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter includes an array of optical fibre located within a capillary tube and mounted on a solenoid movable support and positioned in front of a lens and diffration grating. The filter provides simultaneous tuning filtering between fibres. By coupling fibres to a ring laser and fibre to an optical receiver simultaneous tuning of a laser and receiver is possible. The filter finds particular application in passive optical networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an off-axis rotary joint for optical signal transfer. An annular waveguide has optical discontinuity means, such as a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced apart notches directed inwardly thereof, which discontinuities intercept a light beam emanating from a light source near the waveguide. The discontinuities direct light into the waveguide, along which it travels until it meets an internal reflecting member which, in turn reflects the travelling light out of the waveguide to a suitable detector. The light source and the waveguide/reflector/detector are relatively rotatable so that the signal strength at the detector is an indication of the position of the light source relative to the waveguide. The invention has practical applicability in apparatus, such as turrets and CT scanners, in which the central shaft or axis area must be occupied by equipment or personnel rather than componentry of the rotary joint.

Abstract: A communications system for transmitting optical signals between an optical transceiver (20) disposed on an aircraft and a ground-based computer system. The communications system includes a fiber optic cable (30) having one end coupled to the ground-based computer system and another end coupled to a magnetic attachment head (40). The magnetic attachment head secures the fiber optic cable to the aircraft and aligns the fiber optic cable with the optical transceiver.

Abstract: An optical modulation method operable in an optical transmission path using an optical fiber, wherein an optical fiber bending region is formed by bending a portion of the optical fiber into a U shape having a predetermined bending width. A bending width set point is set in correspondence with a predetermined inclined portion of a characteristic curve representing a dependency ratio of insertion loss of light propagating in said optical fiber bending region relative to the bending width thereof, said predetermined inclined portion of said characteristic curve being located between a predetermined maximum and minimum portion thereof. Intensity modulation of light propagating in the optical fiber is performed using a signal to be transmitted by adjusting the bending width of the optical fiber bending region in correspondence with the signal to be transmitted with reference to the bending width set point as a center.

Abstract: A junction between a rectangular waveguide and a circular waveguide is provided, both operating in TE transmission modes. The rectangular waveguide has broad sides A and narrow sides B, one of sides A having at its middle line a circular opening being of a diameter which is equal to or less than the diameter of the circular waveguide and the other of sides A being fitted with a tapered member inside the rectangular waveguide opposite said circular opening, an end of said circular waveguide being fitted around said opening.

Abstract: A structure for optically coupling at least one optical conductor to an optical input or output of an optical device includes a carrier, having the optical conductor embedded therein such that the optical conductor has at least one locally bent portion reaching an outer surface of the carrier and forming there at least one optical contact point to which the optical input or output of the device may be coupled. Conductor positioning structure is provided disposed in the carrier, for accurately positioning the conductor in the carrier. Cooperating positioning structure, disposed on the carrier at the surface reached by the bent portion of the conductor, co-operates with corresponding complimentary positioning structure of the optical device.

Abstract: An optical tapping coupler for a cable including at least one optical conductor (1) constituted by a step-index glass fiber which is covered by a plastic covering. First means (3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7, 8, 12) enable a determined position and a determined curvature to be given to a portion of each optical conductor of the cable, with each optical conductor being dissociated from the rest of the cable at the tapping location. Second means (21, 22) enable one end of each auxiliary optical conductor (30) to be mechanically brought against a respective cable optical conductor, with a small angle of incidence, in the region in which the cable conductor presents the determined curvature. Optical-index-matching third means are provided between the end of each auxiliary optical conductor and the cable optical conductor against which the end is positioned. The invention is used in particular for multi-station local network buses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device that consists of a micro-mechanical switch consisting of an electrode, a gap between the electrode and an individually deflectable element, which has a vertical shutter attached to its underside. When the electrode is addressed the movement of the deflectable element causes the shutter to raise or lower. Such a device can be used in switching. One embodiment of such a use in waveguides is disclosed along with the method of manufacture.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board with an optical fiber embedded in a flexible layer of the board. The flexible layer is detachable whereby it may be bent out of the board via an opening in an upper layer thereof to allow coupling of the fiber with an input/output device, e.g., another fiber. In an alternative embodiment the flexible layer extends beyond the edges of the board.

Abstract: A fiber optic Fabry-Perot etalon filter constructed with a resonance cavity which is variable in length to enable variations in temperature to tune the filter to a desired frequency while maintaining accurate alignment of the fiber across the filter. Each fiber end is encased in a ferrule with the two ends placed in a facing relationship. The fibers are aligned and held by an appropriate fixture designed to allow a portion of the ferrule assembly containing the resonance cavity to expand or contract with temperature variation. The two mirrors defining the nominal size of the resonance cavity may be deposited on the facing end of each of the two ferrules, on an end of a separate waveguide located between the ends of the ferrules, or on any combination of these elements. Ferrules may be wafered, that is, a wafer of material may be bonded to the mirrored end of one or both ferrules.

Abstract: A single wafered optical fiber ferrule assembly useful in fixed and tunable fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filters is described. The ferrule assembly contains a wafered ferrule with embedded mirror and a mirrored-end ferrule which are aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis in an alignment fixture. The ferrules are aligned and spaced with respect to each other to maximize transmission of light of a selected wavelength through the filter. The wafered ferrule is composed of a fiber ferrule and a wafer greater than or equal to about 5 .mu.m in thickness which are bonded together with a mirror embedded between the wafer and the ferrule. The ferrule assembly forms a FP optical resonance cavity between the two mirrors. The single wafered ferrule design produces more easily manufactured and more stable FFP than prior art designs.

Abstract: A microdynamical optical switch includes a piezoelectric actuator disposed on a substrate, a mirror securely mechanically coupled to the actuator, an input connection port, and a plurality of output connection ports. The actuator displaces the mirror along a mirror displacement path such that the mirror, which is oriented at a 45.degree. angle to the path of the incident light, deflects light passing from the input connection port into an output connection port. The actuator includes a plurality of piezoelectric bars mechanically coupled together in series in a meander line geometry such that the cumulative deflection of the piezoelectric bars is used to displace the mirror. The amount of displacement of the actuator is governed by a controllable voltage source, which applies a voltage across each of the piezoelectric bars. In one embodiment the microdynamical switch has a 1.times.

Abstract: The optical signal channel selector apparatus includes one or more first optical channels, and a plurality of a secondary optical channels for carrying an optical signal. A parabolic mirror is rotatable to provide optical communication between a first optical channel and any one of the secondary optical channels. A position encoded stepper motor is coupled to the parabolic mirror for controlling the position of the mirror. Solid state optical interface blocks having one or more filters receive the optical signal and transmit output optical signals with filtered wavelength ranges in the secondary optical channels. The rotation of the mirror by a position encoded stepper motor allows selection of a desired secondary channel, and automatically shutters the remaining channels closed.

Abstract: An optical fiber prooftester for exerting a controlled tensile force on spliced optical fibers includes a base member, a first optical fiber clamp in the form of a coil spring attached to the base and a sliding member mounted for movement on the base member. A second optical fiber clamp also in the form of a coil spring is fixed to the sliding member. A spliced optical fiber is mounted in the first and second clamps with the splice located between the clamps. A constant force wound spring acting between the base member and the movable member urges the movable member away from the first optical fiber clamp thereby applying a predetermined tensile force upon the splice.