Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus is disclosed for the optical monitoring and measurement of a thin film (or small region on a surface) undergoing thickness and other changes while it is rotating. An optical signal is routed from the monitored area through the axis of rotation and decoupled from the monitored rotating area. The signal can then be analyzed to determine an endpoint to the planarization process. The invention utilizes interferometric and spectrophotometric optical measurement techniques for the in situ, real-time endpoint control of chemical-mechanical polishing planarization in the fabrication of semiconductor or various optical devices. The apparatus utilizes a bifurcated fiber optic cable to monitor changes on the surface of the thin film.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing that bears a movable linkage. The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head and incorporates light-transmitting paths with at least one reflective surface for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped elbow member, pivotally attached to a shoulder member. In turn, the shoulder member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. In one embodiment the reflective surfaces are optically coupled and are mounted onto the housing, shoulder member and elbow member, such that the shapes of the light-transmitting paths remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate that contains a plurality of analyte samples.

Abstract: An optical filter, comprising a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide and means for expanding light from the first optical waveguide into a beam, and at least one optical flat inserted partially into the beam so that a fraction of the light passes through each optical flat and a means for focussing the light into the second optical waveguide. In its simplest form the device has a Mach-Zehnder (sinusoidal) transmission characteristic. The filter can be tuned both in wavelength and extinction either mechanically or electrically. More complex (non-sinusoidal) characteristic can also be obtained.

Abstract: An optical switch operating mechanism including a housing cooperatively preventing dust and light from easily reaching an optical switch supported within the housing. The housing includes integrally formed spaced apart slots for receiving the optical switch and an associated integrally formed tubular shaft for slidably receiving a switch operator, a portion of which extends outside the housing. The tubular shaft is positioned between the spaced apart slots such that the longitudinal axes of the shaft and it's associated pair of slots and are perpendicular to one another. A light passage, also integrally formed with the pair of slots and associated shaft, passes through the shaft connecting the associated pair of slots such that light from the optical switch emitter can be received by the optical switch receiver when a window in the switch operator is aligned with the light passage.

Abstract: An optomechanical sensor for measuring or detecting an acceleration or a vibration in at least one direction. The sensor has a frame, and a flexible beam having two ends. A first end is attached to the frame and a second end is mobile in the at least one direction, in response to an acceleration movement of the frame. The flexible beam includes an optical guiding structure having an input and an output. The frame has N light collection elements, where N is an integer .gtoreq.2. The frame also includes a multi-mode coupler having an input facing the output of the optical guiding structure and N outputs, the coupler coupling an optical signal at the output of the optical guiding structure to the N light collection elements. The multi-mode coupler may also transform an input light beam having a maximum into a distribution having N maxima at the output of the coupler.

Abstract: The at least partially flexible connector assembly includes a slack storage tube connected to the first end of a fiber optic cable for loosely storing excess lengths of the optical fibers. The slack storage tube is typically at least partially flexible. By including a flexible slack storage tube, the connector assembly can be readily flexed, such as during installations of the fiber optic cable in which the end portion of the fiber optic cable must be bent relatively sharply. However, the slack storage tube does generally include crush resistance means for supporting the slack storage tube as the connector assembly is flexed such that the longitudinal bore defined by the slack storage tube remains open. The crush resistance means can include a wire helically wound about the slack storage tube. Alternatively, the slack storage tube can be a corrugated tube.

Abstract: A lighting system for passenger cabins, particularly aircraft passenger cabins, is equipped with at least one central light source cooperating with hollow light guides for distributing light in the passenger cabin. The light sources may be positioned in fixed locations within the aircraft or in fixed locations in the ceiling or in mobile locations within the hollow light guides. Light extractors are positioned where needed. The light guides are hollow preferably tubular light guides which may cooperate with optical light conductor fibers, and with lenses and mirrors where needed.

Abstract: A switch device with a spiral mechanism for optical fiber is disclosed for improved reliablility.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling system has high insertion loss repeatability. A lens expands the mode size of a source fiber connected to a test instrument or other source, reducing insertion loss sensitivity to positional and angular alignment of the bare input fiber with the source fiber. Index matching fluid reduces the effect of the cleave angle of the input fiber on insertion loss. The optical fiber coupling system is calibrated by substituting a through fiber of similar type and length in place of the input fiber. According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a capillary tube contains the index matching fluid. According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the index matching fluid is contained in a reservoir enabling optical signals to be coupled to optical components having multiple input fibers.

Abstract: An optical apparatus that can be used to monitor and/or test targeted optical fibers. The apparatus is contained within a housing that is sized to fit within a shelf of the frame of a fiber administration system. Within the housing is a stationary plate having a face surface. Incoming optical fibers connect to connectors in an array on the side of the housing. The connector array interconnects the incoming optical fibers to a plurality of optical leads in the housing. The optical leads in the housing are optically coupled to target points on the face surface of the stationary plate. A motor is positioned across from the stationary plate. The motor selectively turns an armature that is attached to the shaft of the motor. A light receiving element is disposed on the armature, wherein the light receiving element optically aligns with each of the target points on the face surface of the stationary plate when moved by the motor.

Abstract: A connection includes an interventional medical device having a rotatable optical fiber, an assembly having a conduit for conveying a light beam to the rotatable fiber as well as a rotor and a fixed housing, and a coupling. A drive mechanism is attached to the rotor for continuously rotating the rotor. The coupling includes a rotatable portion attachable to a proximal end of the rotatable fiber and to the rotor so as to permit the rotatable fiber to rotate continuously with the rotor while the rotatable fiber remains in axial alignment with the light beam. The coupling also includes a stationary shield surrounding the rotatable portion. The stationary shield is attachable to the fixed housing so as to urge the rotatable portion and the rotor together. The proximal end of the rotatable portion of the coupling has a vee-shaped coupling surface that complements a distal end surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A mechanically stable self-aligned M.times.N optical switch having a low insertion loss is achieved by employing three cleaved silica optical structures containing a plurality of waveguides. A monolithic silica optical structure is cleaved into the three corresponding structures. Each of the first and third structures has a cleaved edge and a respective set of waveguides extending parallel to a corresponding structure surface. The second structure has two substantially parallel cleaved edges and a plurality of sets of waveguides extending parallel to a corresponding structure surface. The corresponding surfaces of the first, second and third structures are positioned on, for example, surfaces of respective first, second and third bases aligned in a common plane. The structures are further positioned with the cleaved edges of the second structure arranged adjacent to and facing respective ones of the cleaved edges of the first and third structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring light using a photosensitive mast mounted on a support or machine. A light signal, such as a laser, is detected by the photosensitive mast which has a plurality of optical fibers distributed longitudinally along and completely around the mast. The optical fibers are of lengths which differ by very small amounts, thereby creating any desired resolution of the photosensitive mast. The optical fibers are connected to a collecting device for gathering the light signals and determining the position of the light measuring device relative to the rotating laser light source.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning optical device uses optical fibers to transmit the laser fluxes from the semiconductor lasers. The optical fibers are arranged such that point light sources formed at respective exit ends of the optical fibers are linearly aligned. The exit light fluxes from the optical fibers are deflected by a polygon mirror and converged on an image surface to form a line of beam spots, which forms plurality of scanning lines per scan.In order to adjust the angle of the line of beam spots, the exit end portions of the optical fibers is fixed to a fiber alignment block such that the exit end surfaces of said optical fiber are linearly aligned on an alignment line. Further, the fiber alignment block is fixed to a cylindrical member which is rotatably supported by a supporting member. Accordingly, the angle of the line of beam spots can be easily adjusted by rotating the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An integrated photonics device is described. The integrated photonics device includes a photo detector having an active area. A substrate has a side surface intersecting a top surface of the substrate at a predetermined angle. The side surface is reflective. The photo detector is bonded onto the top surface of the substrate with the active area of the photo detector facing the side surface such that light traveling parallel to the top surface of the substrate can be reflected onto the active area of the photo detector via the side surface. A method of fabricating the integrated photonics device is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as an optical equalizer, having variable wavelength characteristics. More specifically, the apparatus attenuates an input light, and includes a beam expander, a beam condenser and an attenuator positioned between the beam expander and the beam condenser. The beam expander converts the input light into a spectral beam propagating in a first direction and having wavelength components spatially separated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The attenuator intersects the spectral beam and has a planer distribution of transmittance so that the spectral beam passes through the attenuator and is attenuated in accordance with the planer distribution of transmittance. The beam expander converts the attenuated spectral beam into an output light. The attenuator is movable in a plane which is not parallel to the first direction. For example, the attenuator can be movable in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An optical device having a collimating mechanism for converting light emitted from an excitation port into a parallel beam and outputting the parallel beam onto an optical path, an optical film provided so as to pass the parallel beam output from the collimating mechanism, and a supporting mechanism for supporting the optical film so that the optical film is rotatable about an axis inclined with respect to the optical path. The optical film is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis. An incident angle of the parallel beam upon the optical film can be changed by rotating the optical film about the axis. Thus, the optical device having the optical film that can vary the incident angle thereupon can be provided with a simple structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical coupler 2.times.2 optical switch which can efficiently shorten the length of device by employing a cantilever and a movable optical waveguide and a method for optical switching with the optical coupler 2.times.2 optical switch. An optical coupler 2.times.2 optical switch of the present invention comprises: an optical coupler in which two fixed optical waveguides are provided on a substrate; an optical waveguide positioned between the fixed optical waveguides, which is moved up and down; and, a cantilever which is linked to the optical waveguide to move the optical waveguide up and down by the voltage applied to electrodes. Since the coupling length of the optical coupler(22) is changed depending on the distance between the fixed optical waveguides(21, 21') and the optical waveguide(23), length(D) of the optical, coupler(22) can be shortened to a great extent compared to the prior art optical coupler 2.times.

Abstract: A low profile optical switching device has a housing with a width and length considerably greater than its height, a motor having an upright shaft extending less than the height of the housing, a circular faceplate surrounding an upper end portion of the shaft and having a diameter considerably larger than the length of the shaft, and a plurality of first optical fibers each having a fixed fiber end portion held by the faceplate. The fixed fiber end portions, usually constituted by lenses, are arranged so as to define a substantially cylindrical imaginary surface co-axial with and communicating with the faceplate. These fixed fiber end portions can receive light from a further optical fiber having a movable end portion carried by an arm extending radially from the motor shaft and which moves around a circular path adjacent the fixed fiber end portions, the light being transmitted via a prism mounted on the arm adjacent the movable fiber end portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical coupling switch and flat panel display including an array of such optical coupling switches. The optical coupling switch includes a light storage plate adapted to set up conditions for total internal reflection such that light injected into the plate is internally reflected. A light tap is disposed proximal to a coupling surface of the light storage plate for coupling internally reflected light out of the light storage plate and into the light tap when the light tap is brought into contact with the light storage plate coupling surface. The light tap is capable of movement in a direction perpendicular to the light storage plate in response to an applied electrostatic force. The optical coupling switch includes a scattering mechanism, such as a scattering surface or scattering medium, for scattering light in the light tap into a viewing volume.

Abstract: A limited rotation connection device includes a housing defining a central ole extending therethrough and a central shaft extending through the central hole of the housing and being rotatably mounted to the housing, the housing also defining an annular slot surrounding and extending in substantially perpendicular relation to the central shaft. The device also includes an elongated flexible communication element disposed in the annular slot of the housing and having a first opposite end portion mounted to the central shaft and a second opposite end portion mounted to the housing. The communication element is collapsible and expandable upon rotation of the central shaft relative to the housing so as to allow limited rotations of the opposite end portions of the communication element relative to one another before reversing rotation direction becomes necessary. The first opposite end portion of the communication element is connectable to a first external communication device.

Abstract: A device for connecting a first optical fiber end held by a first connector plug selectively to second or third optical fiber ends held by different types of connector plugs, in which each different type of plug has an associated connector socket, these sockets each including a non-circular connector flange and each having a ferrule alignment sleeve held by a retainer bushing projecting outwardly from the connector flange, the alignment sleeves being of the type suitable for receiving cylindrical ferrules attached to each fiber end. The device comprises a fixed part having an aperture extending between its inner and outer surfaces, and having a connector adapter projecting from the inner surface and suitable for receiving the first connector plug, and having a radially extending outer surface portion accessible from the outer surface and surrounding a recess suitable for receiving the retainer bushing of another connector plug.

Abstract: A compact display system including a viewing surface; a beam steering mechanism; a source of light remote from the viewing surface and the beam steering mechanism; and at least one waveguide connecting the source of light with the viewing surface for transmitting illumination from the source of light to the viewing surface. The beam steering mechanism is associated with the waveguide and the viewing surface for scanning illumination transmitted by the waveguide onto the viewing surface. There is a modulator for modulating the source of light; and a subsystem for synchronizing the modulator with the beam steering mechanism, but only the distal end of the waveguide and the beam steering mechanism are located near the viewing surface resulting in a more compact display which can be mounted on a pair of eyeglasses.

Abstract: A switch for selectively coupling light from an input optical fiber to a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers. The switch includes a first carriage having one end of the input optical fiber attached thereto and a second carriage having the output optical fibers attached thereto such that one end of each of the output optical fiber lies between first and second distances with respect to the end of the input optical fiber when the output optical fiber is aligned with the input optical fiber. A lens that is fixed with respect to the end of the input optical fiber images light leaving the input optical fiber onto a plane lying between the first and second distances from the end of the input optical fiber. In one embodiment of the present invention, an encoder is integrated into the first and second carriages. The encoder includes an encoding input optical fiber having one end attached to the first carriage, the encoding input optical fiber being a single mode optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical subassembly for monitoring the emission of a semi-conductor laser is disclosed. The subassembly is diced from a wafer having mounted thereon the devices to be tested as well as the testing optical devices. The devices of the wafer are burned-in and those sections of the wafer having lasers that pass the burn-in testing are diced and form the subassemblies of the present invention.

Abstract: A novel photomechanical positioning method using optic fibers, and apparatuses that employ 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 may be 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, generates 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 guide tool and associated method are provided for inserting guide pins in a plurality of stacked multi-fiber connectors and for mating two opposed stacks of multi-fiber connectors. The guide tool comprises a rail with a first and a second mount disposed thereon. At least one of the mounts is slidably disposed on the rail. The mounts receive a stack of multi-fiber connectors or a pin applicator body. In operation, a first stack of multi-fiber connectors are disposed in the first mount, a pin applicator is disposed in the second mount, the second mount is slid along the rail until the guide pins are operatively inserted into the first stack of connectors. The applicator is removed from the second mount and a second stack of connectors can be disposed therein for being slid into an operative mating relationship with the first stack of connectors.

Abstract: An optical switch device has a plurality of fixed optical fiber terminations supported in a fixed array, and a terminated fiber movable by means of a stepping motor into registry with each of the terminations. Opposite the fixed array is a second array of optical devices oriented such that each termination defines a unique light path with each of the optical devices, with the light paths thus formed being parallel to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transmission line switching apparatus comprising a coupling board having a first surface adapted to be connected a first line and a second surface adapted to be connected a second line, adjusting means having a line length adjusting unit for handling surplus portions of the second lines and switching means for changing the connection between the first and second lines, and partition means for dividing the second surface of the coupling board into a plural rows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic test probe comprising a ferrule having a longitudinal axis and a fixable position and being transversely displaceable, and a gimbal coupled to the ferrule and being transversely displaceable, the gimbal comprising means for constraining transverse displacement of the ferrule from a fixed position.

Abstract: An remote fiber test system includes at least one mechanical optical switch has opposing input and output optical fiber bundles disposed within offset ferrules with at least one input fiber coupled to a measurement test instrument and each of the output fiber coupled to an optical fiber link via wavelength division multiplexers. Each ferrule of the optical switch is mounted in three-point kinematically correct V-groove holder allowing the optical fibers in each optical fiber bundle to traverse on a closed curve path during the rotation of the respective ferrules. The closed curve paths of each optical fiber in one of the optical fiber bundles intersect at least one of the closed curve paths of the optical fiber in the opposing optical fiber bundles. The intersection points of two opposing closed curve paths establish the optimum positioning locations for two opposing fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber and lens assembly which comprises a housing, an optical fiber, means for rendering the optical fiber immobile within the housing, a lens, and means for moving the lens within the housing. Such an optical fiber and lens assembly enables one to provide controlled movement of the lens, independently of the optical fiber, in response to changes in the focal length of the lens, the wavelength of light, and intended usages of the light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary joint for optical fibers comprising a plug assembly and a first ferrule having a fiber-entry end mounted coaxially therein, a receptacle assembly and a second ferrule having a fiber-entry end mounted coaxially therein, wherein at least one of the plug-mounted ferrule and the receptacle-mounted ferrule is biased outwardly from a fiber entry-end of the ferrule, and an alignment sleeve for optically connecting the first and second ferrules and maintaining the optical connection during rotation of one of the plug assembly and the receptacle assembly about an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the assembly relative to the other of the plug assembly and the receptacle assembly.

Abstract: An optical switch has a stepping motor with a fiber faceplate on which are mounted end portions of output optical fibers terminating in GRIN lenses. The end portions are arranged along a pitch circle. The faceplate is spaced from the stepping motor and the diameter of the pitch circle is smaller than the diameter of the stepping motor, the output fibers diverging from the faceplate towards the motor and beyond in a space-saving arrangement. The stepping motor drives a movable arm with attached end portion of an input optical fiber, also with a GRIN lens, into one of a plurality switching positions. The connection between the fibers and the lenses and also the relative axial arrangement of the paired lenses in the switching positions is offset to reduce or minimize the reflection of light transmitted from the input fiber to the output fiber, back to the input fiber.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion member rotatably mounted to a handle. A first set of optical fibers carried by the handle meets a second set of optical fibers disposed within the insertion member at a joint constructed to allow relative rotation between the sets of optical fibers about the longitudinal axis of the insertion member.

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: An especially compact optical rotary joint for use with fiber optic cables is set forth including three embodiments capable of transferring two data streams each carried on a separate optical fiber. The rotary joint is constructed with a stationary portion and a relatively rotating portion. The two optical fiber channels are arranged in-line along the same rotational axis. Isolation of one channel from the other is achieved through a novel application of gradient index rod lenses of suitable pitch. A pair of lenses is arranged adjacent each other on each side of the rotational interface and a second pair of axially aligned lenses is arranged outboard of the first pair. An optical signal from one of the outboard lenses can be directed to one of the other lenses depending on the pitch selection. Losses due to crosstalk or overlap of the signal paths is within acceptable limits. Both channels are bidirectional, i.e., each can carry signals in either direction.

Abstract: A novel array of optical fiber beams collimator device, includes as novel mponents thereof an array of single beam collimator units. A housing is provided with a corresponding array of co-parallel lens bores between opposite sides of the housing. Each unit of the array of single beam collimator units is formed from a gradient index glass, rod-type, collimation lens disposed in the corresponding lens bore with a reinforced terminal end section of an optical fiber attached by its end face to the end face of the lens at one of the sides of the housing. The lenses of the array of units all have a common length dimension of one-quarter pitch plus a predetermined increment of length chosen for coupling maximum power through respective fiber optic lines.

Abstract: A single in-line fiber-optic rotary joint includes inner and outer concenc body portions which are rotatable relative to each other around a common longitudinal axis. An optical to electrical converter is mounted in the inner body portion and it is operative for receiving an incoming optical signal and converting it to a corresponding electrical signal. A light source mounted along the longitudinal axis of the inner body portion receives the converted electrical signal and emits a corresponding light signal along the longitudinal axis. A light detector is positioned along the longitudinal axis in the outer body portion wherein it receives the light signal and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal from the light detector is received by an electrical to optical converter which converts the electrical signal back to an optical signal, thus establishing a complete pathway through the rotary joint.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch module that can be incorporated into switch designs characterized by negligible crosstalk. The switch module is capable of operation over two wavelength bands. A 2.times.2 switch module has an open or bar state in which polished portions of the fiber segments are separated from each other and a closed or cross state where the polished portions are in optical contact with each other. The module has arbitrarily low crosstalk in the bar state, but typically some crosstalk in the cross state. In one embodiment, the third port of a first 2.times.2 module is coupled to the first port a second 2.times.2 module while no connections are-made to the second ports of the modules or to the third port of the second module.

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 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 multichannel connector for transmission of optical signals between a number of input and output channels through a rotating interface is described. The connector comprises an input and an output platforms rotating around their common axis and an optical system connecting input optical signal channels to output optical channels independent on relative rotation of the platforms. The connector conserves both the amplitude and phase of the optical signals transmitted between the input and output channels. The optical system comprises either a combination of lenses and prism rings or single computer generated hologram. It can be used, for example, for connection between input and output bundles of optical fibers through a rotation interface without cross talk of the optical signals. The connector can find important industrial, military and medical applications where the optical signals from a number of channels are to be transmitted through rotating junctions.

Abstract: A lighting source arrangement comprising a light conducting cable formed of an optical fibre consisting of a plurality of elementary fibres, a device for holding and fastening the optical fibre onto a supporting structure and means for steering the light beam issuing from the fibre, wherein said fastening device is a device for holding the optical fibre in a stationary position and the device for steering the light beam emitted by the fibre comprises at least one member for deviating the beam which is mounted rotatably about the axis of the optical fibre onto a stationary holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dimming the white light received by an optical fiber. The apparatus is a cover having a thin edge and a flat surface for application to the optical fiber commencing at the fiber rim.

Abstract: A prism coupling mount is provided for readily substituting various prisms and planar slab waveguides therein without damage to these components. For maximum coupling efficiency, the spacing between the coupling prism base and the waveguide can be adjusted, along with the mode selection angle and the prism surface incident tilt angle. A rotatable support stage supports the prism coupling mount and the center of rotation thereof is adjustable to ensure that it lies directly beneath the prism input surface.

Abstract: An optical filter having a transmission wavelength to be tuned dependent on light incident angle is rotatively provided in a collimated light path. The optical filter is rotated by the displacement of a piezoelectric actuator by a structure in which the displacement is converted to the rotation of the optical filter. The converting structure comprises a displacement magnifying mechanism for magnifying the displacement to provide the magnified displacement and a motion converting mechanism for converting the magnified displacement to the rotation of the optical filter.

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: A fiber distribution frame includes a fixture having a plurality of modules mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of the modules can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules contains a plurality of adapters for receiving and retaining fiber optic connectors. Further, the fixture may be tilted downwardly to provide access to the rear of the fixture.