Abstract: In one embodiment, fiber assemblies are provided. The fiber assemblies may have a first fiber and a second fiber. The first fiber may have at least one core having a length and first and second ends. The second end may have a first connector. The second fiber may have at least one core having a length and first and second ends. The second end may have a second connector having at least one magnet. The first connector may be engaged to the second connector, and the at least one magnet may be operated to engage the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprising a main body in the form of a manipulator 11 having a throughbore which removably receives a sleeve-like carrier 13 again having a throughbore. The carrier 13 receives removably an optical fibre assembly which is to be coupled to another optical component by means of the connector. The manipulator 11 also includes two pairs of adjustment screws 18a, and 19a which can be used to displace the carrier and optical fibre assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of the manipulator. A polarising element 41 is arranged in the manipulator 11 such that light passing through the connector system will pass through the polarising element 41.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a collimated light beam within an optical switch, the apparatus comprising: a supporting structure having a first actuator and a second actuator, the first actuator being selectively adjustable along a first plane, and the second actuator being selectively adjustable along a second plane; a fiber optic line having a terminal end to emit a light beam therefrom, the terminal end of the fiber optic line being supported by the first actuator, whereby adjustment of the first actuator repositions the terminal end of the fiber optic line; and a collimator lens being supported by the second actuator, whereby adjustment of the second actuator repositions the collimator lens; wherein at least one of the terminal end of the fiber optic line and collimator lens is repositioned relative to the other one so as to position the light beam emitted by the terminal end of the fiber optic line through a given location of through the collimator lens, which in turn produces the collimated light beam within

Abstract: An electromagnetic micro positioner, e.g. for use in fibre optics, is operated by a ceramic piston (8) mounted within a ceramic cylinder (5). The piston (8) is moved by a permanent magnet (9) and an electromagnetic circuit (1/2). By changing the coil (2) polarity the piston (8) will either be attracted or repelled to its top or bottom position. In particular the core (1), capable of polarity reversal, has a magnetic remanence by means of which the movable piston (8) is fixable in one of the two predefined positions when the coil (2) is not energized.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a collimated light beam within an optical switch, the apparatus comprising: a supporting structure having a first actuator and a second actuator, the first actuator being selectively adjustable along a first plane, and the second actuator being selectively adjustable along a second plane; a fiber optic line having a terminal end to emit a light beam therefrom, the terminal end of the fiber optic line being supported by the first actuator, whereby adjustment of the first actuator repositions the terminal end of the fiber optic line; and a collimator lens being supported by the second actuator, whereby adjustment of the second actuator repositions the collimator lens; wherein at least one of the terminal end of the fiber optic line and collimator lens is repositioned relative to the other one so as to position the light beam emitted by the terminal end of the fiber optic line through a given location of through the collimator lens, which in turn produces the collimated light beam within

Abstract: An electromagnetic micro positioner, e.g. for use in fibre optics, is operated by a ceramic piston (8) mounted within a ceramic cylinder (5). The piston (8) is moved by a permanent magnet (9) and an electromagnetic circuit (1/2). By changing the coil (2) polarity the piston (8) will either be attracted or repelled to its top or bottom position. In particular the core (1), capable of polarity reversal, has a magnetic remanence by means of which the movable piston (8) is fixable in one of the two predefined positions when the coil (2) is not energized.

Abstract: The invention is to offer an optical device which is capable of reducing the insertion loss comparing with a conventional one. The optical switch comprises a fiber collimator for input an light beam, a fiber collimator for output the light beam to the outside, an optical path switching element, an optical path switching element as well as a slider arranged in the optical paths between the fiber collimator and the fiber collimator to change the light path and the optical characteristics, a solenoid actuator for moving the slider, a guide mechanism for guiding the slider as the slider moves, a magnet for generating a magnetic field, the magnet being arranged at a position where the slider is pressed against the guide mechanism by means of a magnetic force of a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

Abstract: A drive towards automation, particularly in the fiber optics industry, has necessitated the use of materials and methods better suited for use by machines. The present invention takes advantage of the magnetic properties of these materials to create a strong magnetic bond between separate elements while they are being connected. Two independently controllable chucks are used to align the elements in accordance with design requirements. After proper alignment, the elements are magnetically attracted together and then permanently fixed using any one of a variety of standards methods, such as welding. In the embodiment of the invention used specifically in the fiber optics industry, the alignment process includes measuring the light transmitted or reflected by the two elements.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator includes a plunger, having two magnet heads spaced from each other and joined to move together, that is supported for linear movement on a substrate. A magnetic core is supported on the substrate and has gaps in the core adjacent to the heads of the plunger. At least one permanent magnet is mounted to the plunger to move with it and forms, with the core, first and second magnetic circuits for flux which pass through the first and second heads of the plunger. A coil is coupled to the magnetic core to provide flux to the core. When the coil is supplied with DC current in one direction, the flux from the coil opposes the flux from the permanent magnet in one of the gaps and augments the flux in the other gap, causing the plunger to move in the direction of the gap having the augmented flux. After the plunger has switched positions, the electrical current in the coil is turned off, leaving the plunger latched in its switched position due to the flux from the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A multi axis optical component actuator mechanism is disclosed using a plurality of electromagnetic coil actuators and a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies for aligning an optical component in a plurality of axes. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of electromagnetic coils are rigidly coupled together to a carriage and the optical component. The carriage is free to move within a plurality of magnetic flux air gaps defined within a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies in response to a plurality of control signals having a magnitude and polarity. Advantageously the disclosed multi-axis optical component actuation mechanism has a high frequency response as well as inexpensive cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: An interface for light barrier arrangements operates with an optoelectronic data exchange that can be activated by means of a magnetically acutated switch.

Abstract: A ferrule connection optical isolator with an optical fiber, wherein the optical isolator includes a ferrule with at least one processed end surface. The optical fiber consists of two kinds of materials and has a concentric level difference between the materials. A small cylindrical magnet having a size larger than the outer diameter of the level difference portion but smaller than the outermost diameter of the ferrule is connected to the level difference portion. A guide ring is inserted and fixed in the magnet, and an optical element that consists of at least one polarizer and at least one Faraday rotator is connected and fixed in the guide ring.

Abstract: Automated manufacturing in the fiber optics industry has introduced a series of new problems due to the small size of the parts being assembled and the precise optical alignments required. However, processes requiring the manual assembly of parts using glue are slowly being replaced by automated processes involving the laser welding of metallically encased optical parts. Unfortunately, almost every step in the process causes a small degree of misalignment, which may cause the device to fall below transmission standards. The present invention provides a method of assembling an optical device which includes special steps that involve re-aligning the elements in the optical device after other steps in the method have caused a misalignment. In particular, the method of the present invention includes testing the alignment of the optical elements at several stages throughout the assembly process, and applying addition asymmetric welds to the finished product to improve the transmission results.

Abstract: A three axis optical component actuator mechanism is disclosed using two electromagnetic coil actuators and a common stator assembly. In the preferred embodiment the optical component is coupled to the carriage and the carriage is controllable in two axes using electromagnets. A third axis is controllable using a linear motor. The carriage is resiliently mounted within the stator assembly with a plurality of magnetic flux air gaps defined within. Advantageously the disclosed three-axis optical component actuation mechanism has a high frequency response as well as inexpensive cost of manufacturing. In an alternative embodiment a three axis electromagnetic coil actuator is shown having precise travel without the need for expensive linear bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A multi axis optical component actuator mechanism is disclosed using a plurality of electromagnetic coil actuators and a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies for aligning an optical component in a plurality of axes. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of electromagnetic coils are rigidly coupled together to a carriage and the optical component. The carriage is free to move within a plurality of magnetic flux air gaps defined within a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies in response to a plurality of control signals having a magnitude and polarity. Advantageously the disclosed multi-axis optical component actuation mechanism has a high frequency response as well as inexpensive cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator includes a plunger, having two magnet heads spaced from each other and joined to move together, that is supported for linear movement on a substrate. A magnetic core is supported on the substrate and has gaps in the core adjacent to the heads of the plunger. At least one permanent magnet is mounted to the plunger to move with it and forms, with the core, first and second magnetic circuits for flux which pass through the first and second heads of the plunger. A coil is coupled to the magnetic core to provide flux to the core. When the coil is supplied with DC current in one direction, the flux from the coil opposes the flux from the permanent magnet in one of the gaps and augments the flux in the other gap, causing the plunger to move in the direction of the gap having the augmented flux. After the plunger has switched positions, the electrical current in the coil is turned off, leaving the plunger latched in its switched position due to the flux from the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector and an associated fabrication method where the connector has a connector housing having a base side, a and pair of sidewalls upstanding from the base side that are spaced apart in relation to each other, and each of the housing sidewalls define at least one aperture through which optical signals can be transmitted into and out of the housing by an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber, respectively, located in fixed positions outside the housing, and a pair of optical lens elements are contained within the housing which collimate optical signals transmitted via the respective optical fibers. The lens elements are precisely aligned with respective optical fibers within submicron tolerances using internally-housed micro-aligners. As a result, the fiber optic connector of the present invention can provide efficient coupling between optical fibers, such as optical fibers in two spliced composite parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for making connections between a first plurality of optical channels and a second plurality of optical channels includes at least one fiber channel rotator, that includes a rotatable member, having a peripheral edge, disposed along a rotational plane and is rotatable about an axis. A first optical connector is optically coupled to a first optical channel and is in sliding engagement to the rotatable member adjacent to the peripheral edge. A rotational driver is coupled to the rotatable member so as to selectively cause the rotatable member to rotate about the axis and thereby direct the first optical connector to a selected angular position. The apparatus also includes at least one tower that includes a track, disposed adjacent to the rotatable member and transverse to the rotational plane of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of aligning a collimator assembly requiring only a single-axis adjustment and for which the collimator may be paired with any other similarly aligned collimator. A collimator typically includes a fiber grasped by a ferrule. Both the ferrule and a graded-index (GRIN) lens are eventually bonded to the inside of a glass tube with the fiber/lens distance fixed for optimum collimator performance. According to one method of practicing the invention, the tube/lens assembly is fixed, and the ferrule/fiber is slidably inserted into the tube. The position of the ferrule/fiber is adjusted within the tube while the size of the resultant beam is measured at a fixed distance from the output from the lens. If there are two such positions producing the optimum beam size, the position of less separation between the ferrule and fiber is chosen.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a device for controlling alignment between two optical devices comprises a mobile magnet attached to a mobile optical device and a plurality of programmable magnets for moving the mobile magnet (and attached optical device) in relation to a second optical device. In preferred embodiments, the programmable magnets are latchable.

Abstract: Fiber end sleeve for fiber optic bundle and a method for the production of a metal end sleeve for a flexible fiber-optic light guide are provided. The method includes the steps of inserting a fiber bundle into a metal sleeve, and using a magnetic pulse-forming apparatus for deforming said metal sleeve radially inward onto said fiber bundle.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for interconnecting at least two electronic apparatuses, such as a personal computer and a printer, interconnects input/output units of the equipment each having a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The connector apparatus enables data transmission/reception between the equipment. The connector apparatus includes at least two optical fibers and a pair of connecting units. The connecting units include a pair of connecting portions for holding both ends of the optical fibers. Each connecting portion has a magnet portion for attracting by the equipment and a limiting portion for limiting the rotational position at the time of connection to the equipment. With the ends of the optical fibers connected by the connecting portions to the electronic equipment, the ends of the optical fibers are held in the state of enabling data transmission/reception with the input/output units of the equipment.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector and an associated fabrication method includes a connector housing in which a substrate and at least one microactuator mounted on the substrate are disposed. The microactuator is adapted for movement relative to the substrate such that an optical fiber bonded to the microactuator can be controllably positioned with respect to an aperture defined in the front plate of the connector housing. One or more lens elements, such as graded index lens elements, can be at least partially disposed within respective ones of the apertures defined by the connector housing so as to collimate the optical signals transmitted via the respective optical fibers. The microactuator can include at least one bimorphic actuator having first and second layers formed of first and second materials, respectively, which respond differently to electrical stimuli.

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: A method of coupling an optical fiber to a desired optical input wherein the optical fiber is pre-coated with a magnetic material and then placed in an elongated groove in a base, one end of which groove terminates at the desired optical input. A magnetic field is applied to hold the pre-coated optical fiber firmly in place while it is permanently mounted by some means such as soldering or an adhesive.

Abstract: A monolithically fabricated magnetically-actuatable opto-mechanical on/off switch includes a pair of planar optical waveguides, the first waveguide of the pair being fixed in position and the second waveguide of the pair being movable between a conducting orientation wherein it is in optical alignment with the one waveguide and a non-conducting orientation wherein it is not in optical alignment with the one waveguide. A ferromagnetic component is fixedly secured to the movable second waveguide for movement therewith as a unit. A magnet may be provided for moving the ferromagnetic component, and hence for moving the movable second waveguide between the conducting and non-conducting orientations.

Abstract: A Hall effect sensor associated with the receptacle of a laser transmitter module senses the presence of a magnet carried by a fiber-optic connector when the connector is inserted in the receptacle. The output signal from the sensor is used to disable the laser transmitter if the fiber-optic connector is not inserted, providing a safety interlock as well as a positive key against the insertion of incompatible multimode connectors.