Abstract: Integrated optical devices in which one or more optical fibers are vertically integrated with other optical components in a multilayer arrangement. Optical components include lenses, etalons that may be passive or actuable, WDM filters and beamsplitters, for example. One vertically integrated optical device comprises a fiber socket layer comprising a plurality of sockets including a first socket and second socket arranged proximate to each other, and a lens that has a central axis offset from the cores of the first and second fibers. Optical devices include filters, variable optical attenuators, and switches, for example. A component layer may comprise a spacer layer that provides a predetermined opening that is hermetically sealed to protect sensitive components, such as MEMS devices. Also, a method of forming a socket layer using a two-sided etching process is disclosed. Furthermore, an integrated laser device is disclosed that includes a laser layer.

Abstract: An optical connector which includes an insertion opening for inserting therein a plug section of an optical fiber cable, an optical element which is to be optically connected to said optical fiber cable as inserted in said insertion opening, and a shutter for opening and closing said insertion opening; and which is to be mounted to an apparatus and serves as a connector of said apparatus, is arranged so as to be distinguishable from an optical connector of other type by the color of the shutter which is exposed to the outside when mounting the optical connector to an apparatus.

Abstract: A fiber stub type optical device is provided with a ferrule formed with a through hole extending in a longitudinal direction thereof and a groove for dividing the through hole in an intermediate position with respect to the longitudinal direction, a first optical fiber accommodated in the through hole, a second optical fiber aligned with the first optical fiber in the through hole while being divided by the groove and having a larger mode field diameter than the first optical fiber, and an optoisolator provided in the groove and optically connected with the second optical fiber divided by the groove.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving a fiber optic connector along an optic axis. The receptacle includes a housing having an open end for receiving the fiber optic connector inserted thereinto on the optic axis, along with an opening remote from the open end. A shutter member is fitted through the opening and is mounted for pivotal movement toward and away from the optic axis to close and open the open end of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic device for the optically connecting optical fiber. The device consists of fiber optic connectors holding the terminal ends of optical fiber in ferrules and an adapter for receiving fiber optic connectors. The adapter includes a sleeve within a longitudinal opening which aligns the ferrules and the terminal end of the optical fiber held by the ferrules. Within the sleeve is placed an attenuator which extends across the longitudinal opening in the sleeve and is held at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the opening by slots in the sidewall of the sleeve. The angle at which the attenuator is held may be perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The sleeve is further prevented from rotating within the adapter by pockets formed in the inner wall of the longitudinal opening engaging extensions of the attenuator beyond the sidewall of the sleeve.

Abstract: Optical devices, such as couplers, isolators and filters, are important building blocks in most WDM systems, within which light from a fiber is collimated, processed, and then focused onto another fiber. Unfortunately, during the processing of the light the beam gets walked-off from its initial path. In order for the light to fully couple between the fibers it is imperative that this walk-off be accounted for. Conventional systems simply mount the focusing lens and output ferrule offset from the collimating lens and input ferrule to ensure good coupling. However, there are several advantages to positioning the collimating lens coaxial with the focusing lens. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for optically coupling fibers with coaxial lenses by rotating an angle polished end face of at least one (preferably two) of the ferrules and lenses relative to the other ferrules and lenses. A greater range of positions is obtained when two of the ferrule and/or the lens are rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and easily manufactured adapter and optical module receptacle which can prevent light from leaking where an optical connector is disconnected, wherein a roughly L-shaped shutter plate (3) is attached in the housing (1) for fitting and insertion of an optical connector by utilizing a supporting plate. In the state where the shutter plate is attached, the roughly L-shaped erectable portion (7) of the shutter plate (3) is erected so as to shield light that is transmitted to the optical connector insertion port (2) of the housing (1). In the state where an optical connector is fitted in the housing (1), the corresponding erectable portion (7) is folded by the optical connector to ensure that the corresponding optical connector receives light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic device for the optically connecting optical fiber. The device consists of fiber optic connectors holding the terminal ends of optical fiber in ferrules and an adapter for receiving fiber optic connectors. The adapter includes a sleeve within a longitudinal opening which aligns the ferrules and the terminal end of the optical fiber held by the ferrules. Within the sleeve is placed an attenuator which extends across the longitudinal opening in the sleeve and is held at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the opening by slots in the sidewall of the sleeve. The angle at which the attenuator is held may be perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The sleeve is further prevented from rotating within the adapter by pockets formed in the inner wall of the longitudinal opening engaging extensions of the attenuator beyond the sidewall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A thermally stabilized optical filter device includes a multilayer optical bandpass filter on a transparent substrate, with the transparent substrate being composed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An encasement surrounds the transparent substrate such that the bandpass filter is exposed for transmission of predetermined optical wavelengths there through. The encasement is composed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The encasement provides thermal stability to the optical properties of the bandpass filter by compensating for changes in the filter that occur with temperature variations. In another embodiment, a collet assembly provides means for selectively compressing a filter chip to tune the filter response.

Abstract: The invention features a method for attaching a surface of a first optical element to a surface of a second optical element. The method includes: providing a bonding glass on at least one of the surfaces, wherein the bonding glass is selected to match the refractive indices of the first and second optical elements at the surfaces over a first range of wavelengths and absorb optical energy to a greater extent than that of the optical elements over a second range of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths; positioning the surfaces proximate one another; directing optical energy to the bonding glass through at least one of the optical elements at a wavelength in the second range of wavelengths, wherein the optical energy is sufficient to melt the bonding glass without deforming the optical elements; and allowing the melted bonding glass to solidify and fuse the proximately positioned surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides a chip for separating light into different wavelengths. The chip includes a substrate, an input waveguide, an optical arrangement, and a plurality of output waveguides. The substrate has first and second edge sections. The input waveguide is formed on the substrate and has an end for providing light thereto located at the first edge section. The input waveguide extends from the first end thereof in a first direction. The optical arrangement receives the light from the input waveguide and separates the light into a pattern of light of different wavelengths. The output waveguides are formed on the substrate. Each output waveguide receives light of a respective wavelength from the optical arrangement and transmits the light. Each output waveguide has an end, from which the light is transmitted, located at the second edge section. Each output waveguide extends to the second end thereof in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a multi-stranded fiberoptic light delivery system for delivering light to a plurality of fixtures. Each of the fixtures receives light from one or more active strands of a fiberoptic cable. A light source provides a light beam for transmission through the cable. A light-coloring device receives the light beam and sequentially imparts to the light beam different colors. A rod is interposed in the light beam between the color wheel and the fixtures. The rod has an inlet for receiving the light beam and an outlet for transmitting light to the cable. The rod has a length at least high enough to cause it to pass to all active strands a portion of the light of a color just starting to be received at its inlet.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a supporting block, a pair of guide pins protruding from the supporting block for mating with a connecting component, and an array of active optical components recessed into the supporting block so that a void is present between the active optical components and optic fibers carried by the connecting component. A transparent filler material the void and provides a light path between the active optical components and the optic fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a socket for a connector, wherein a socket housing is simplified in construction such that means for preventing foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and so forth from making ingress in the socket can be assembled with ease. The socket housing 10 comprises a cavity 20 for allowing a plug to be inserted therein, a protuberance provided within the cavity 20, a through hole defined substantially at the center of the protuberance, for allowing a plug extremity to be inserted from outer end thereof, and a connector element 70 disposed at inner end of the through hole, opposite thereto. In assembling, a shutter 50, an elastic member 60, and the connector element 70 are inserted into the socket housing 10 in that order through a narrow opening 30, and are set in, and securely attached to the socket housing 10 by fitting a cover body 80 into the narrow opening 30.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting method and apparatus in which optical communication is performed in a uni-core bidirectional system as optical crosstalk is prevented from occurring. To this end, an optical fiber connector 1 includes a refractive index matching member 2 and an optical fiber connecting unit 5. The refractive index matching member 2 has a refractive index substantially equivalent to that of the cores of optical fibers 101, 102. The optical fiber connecting unit 5 interconnects the optical fibers 101, 102 in a state in which end faces 101a, 102a of the optical fibers 101, 102 are contacted with a refractive index matching member 2 interposed between the end faces 101a, 102a of the optical fibers 101, 102.

Abstract: An optical connector with a shutter is provided which has functions of, when a plug (P) is not inserted, preventing dust from entering through an insertion and extraction port (12), and preventing light from leaking through the insertion and extraction port (12). In the invention, a shutter (5) is placed in an insertion space (13) of the body (1) in which an optical device (2) is disposed, and the shutter (5) is elastically urged in a closing direction. The shutter (5) is attached to a support shaft (4) which is placed in the vacant space (15) on a lateral side of the insertion and extraction port (12). When the plug (P) is not inserted, the shutter (5) closes the insertion and extraction port (12) to prevent ingress of dust and light leakage from occurring. The axial direction of the support shaft (4) coincides with the thickness direction of the body, whereby the height of the optical connector with a shutter can be reduced.

Abstract: An attenuation device for a signal carried by an optical fiber in the form of a light signal is manufactured. The optical cores of a first and a second single-mode fiber are expanded. The first and second fibers are assembled facing each other in a capillary containing a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is polymerized to produce an attenuation element. The resulting attenuation device comprises a first and a second single-mode fiber with expanded optical cores assembled facing each other in a capillary containing a liquid crystal forming attenuation means.

Abstract: A fiber-optic acoustical sensor system includes a light source, an elongate optical cable conducting light from the light source to an optical acoustical transducer located at a distance from the light source along this cable, and a polarizer at the acoustical transducer. The sensor system includes a polarizer providing orthogonally-polarized light along the optical cable to the polarizer located adjacent to the transducer. Because of the polarizer adjacent to the transducer, disturbances of the optical cable and resulting polarization perturbations of the light transmitted along this cable do not affect the optical acoustical transducer. The acoustic transducer is responsive to sound energy to provide an optical return signal indicative of this sound energy.

Abstract: Provided are an optical transmission line including a connected part of the optical fibers having different refractive index profiles, wherein at least one of the optical fibers has a hollow region, and a method for connecting such optical fibers, wherein connection loss in a connection of such optical fibers is reduced. In the case of connecting an optical fiber 1, which does not have a hollow region and which consists of a core region 3 and a cladding region 4, and an optical fiber 2, which consists of a hollow core region 5 and a cladding region 6 having a plurality of refractive index variation parts 7 which extend along optical fiber 2, matching oil M is first injected into the connecting end portion of the hollow core region 5 to be connected with the optical fiber 1.

Abstract: An optical system is provided with an optical assembly and a wavelength division multiplexer surface for transmitting a light beam. The optimal alignment of these light beams is accomplished by adjusting a steering device, which includes an optical wedge or a universal coupling, until the light path of the transmitted light beam through the optical assembly aligns with the light path of the transmitted light beam through the wavelength division multiplexing surface.

Abstract: An angled optical connector optically couples received first and second optical blocks, each of which has an optical fiber embedded therein which terminates at an optical block end face. The connector has corresponding first and second ports and a reflecting surface. In one embodiment, each port has a port optical block which includes an optical fiber embedded therein which extends between and terminates at first and second port optical block end faces. The first port optical block end face is aligned with the corresponding received optical block end face such that the port optical block optical fiber as terminating at the first end face thereof is aligned with the corresponding received optical block optical fiber as terminating at the end face thereof. A lens aligns with each port optical block optical fiber as terminating at the second end face of such port optical block for collimating light exiting or entering such optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector system may include a elliptical reflector arranged to couple light from one optical fiber to another. The elliptical reflector has two foci, one of which may correspond to an end of a first optical fiber and the other of which may correspond to an end of another optical fiber. Thus, light emitted from one fiber may be coupled to another fiber.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter is provided with two optical fibers each being coated with a high-reflective thin film at its one end, a silicon block for aligning the two optical fibers with each other having a pair of V-shaped grooves formed at both ends thereof, respectively, a resonant cavity medium of silicon or polymeric material having a high coefficient of thermo-optic effect, and a thermal electrode for applying heat to the resonant cavity medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of building multiple-port optical devices characterizes optical filters according to a desired angle of incidence. Fiber ferrules are manufactured to precisely position at least two pairs of optical fibers inside the ferrules. The fiber ferrules are then characterized according to the distance between the fiber cores of the fiber pairs (i.e. the separation distance). The filters and the fiber ferrules are matched according to predetermined tolerances. The filter, or other optical element, is optically aligned with each pair of optical fibers and bonded into place. Light signals, such as DWDM signals, are then transmitted through the devices and the single filter or optical device operates on the multiple signals.

Abstract: A vacuum spaced etalon comprises a spacer and two faceplates on two opposite sides of the spacer, the two faceplates each having an inner surface and an outer surface, a reflective coating covering at least a portion of the inner surface of each faceplate and an anti-reflective coating covering the outer surface of each faceplate. The spacer is in contact with an edge portion of the inner surface of each faceplate, whereby the faceplates and the spacer together form a cavity that is evacuated to provide a vacuum.

Abstract: An optical signal limiter is provided for limiting transmission of a continuous wave optical signal that exceeds a preselected threshold power level. The limiter includes a body having input and output ends that is formed at least in part from a material having a negative thermal index coefficient of between about −0.5×10−4° C.−1 and −4.0×10−4 ° C.1 and an absorption coefficient of between 1.0 to 5.0 dB/cm at wavelengths between 980-1650 nm. The limiter also includes collimating fibers mounted on the input and output ends to minimize low power signal losses across the limiter body. It may be installed at a junction between two optical fibers and is preferably formed from a curable adhesive having the aforementioned negative thermal index coefficient to obviate the need for separate bonding materials and joining steps during the installation of the limiter.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector system may include a elliptical reflector arranged to couple light from one optical fiber to another. The elliptical reflector has two foci, one of which may correspond to an end of a first optical fiber and the other of which may correspond to an end of another optical fiber. Thus, light emitted from one fiber may be coupled to another fiber.

Abstract: A mechanism for fixing optical element that is applied to construct the optical element in an wavelength division multiplexer (WDM), or an dense wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM), the mechanism comprising a filter letting a beam of light with targeted wavelength pass through and in the meantime reflect the other beams of light (it is same on the other hand) and a holder being deployed in an optical pate of the WDM, which is tubular with a hollow part and having an incident end and an emitting end, and further there is a carry surface to let the filter be pasted on.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator of the multiple-aperture type is disclosed. The attenuator comprises a thin element having a plurality of apertures therein. The plurality of apertures is arranged such that the size of most of the apertures increases along a distance of the thin element. In particular, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a carefully designed pattern wherein the percentage of transmitted light varies from one end of the pattern to the other. The variable optical attenuator is substantially wavelength and polarization independent.

Abstract: A multi-port fiber optic device (10) includes a dual fiber first collimator (12) which comprises a ferrule (18) with the input fiber (30) and the output fiber (32) therein, a gradient index rod lens (20) adhesively attached to the ferrule (18), and a filter (22) adhesively attached to the lens (20) opposite to the ferrule (18). A second collimator (14) is generally positioned in front of the first collimator (12), includes the similar components thereof while being symmetrical to the first collimator (12) along the middle portion of the whole assembly, except that one of the dual fiber of the second collimator (14) functions idle, thus the pigtail of such a fiber being removed.

Abstract: A fiber connector that facilitates alignment of and electrical communication with electrooptical devices on an optical fiber or interposed between optical fibers. An embodiment of in-line optoelectronic device packaging constructed according to principles of the invention includes a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber with an optoelectronic device mounted on one end of the ferrule, for alignment with the fiber. Electrically-conductive deposits along the side of the ferrule supply electrical energy to or conduct electrical signals from the optoelectronic device. The optoelectronic device-carrying ferrule is inserted in a ceramic sleeve. Another ferrule, maintaining another optical fiber, also is inserted in the ceramic sleeve. Another embodiment constructed according to principles of the invention includes a second optoelectronic device mounted on the second ferrule.

Abstract: A dispenser (30) for discharging gel (22) used to bond end surfaces of cores of optical fiber, comprising an outer tube (32) provided with a through hole (34) in one end portion thereof and opened at the other end portion thereof, a syringe (10) having at one end portion thereof a nozzle, which is inserted through the through hole (34), and a gel sealing piston head, and a discharge means fixed to the outer tube (32), contacting the piston head (18) and adapted to press the piston head and discharge the gel (22); and an optical fiber connector comprising an adapter (68) having a central through hole extending along the axis thereof, into which fitting members (74, 76) to which optical fibers (62A, 62B) with conductors (64A, 64B) projecting from both sides thereof in a predetermined length are fitted firmly are fitted, a sleeve (70) fitted firmly in the through hole, and a gel-carrying light relaying transmission member (68) sealed in the sleeve.

Abstract: An optical multiplexing module, which is easier inadjustment of an optical axis, has an optical multiplexing element and a prism to change optical paths of input light. The module also has one or more input collimators at the input-side end thereof a single output collimator at the output-side end thereof. The optical axes of the collimators are adjustable by optical axis adjusting means.

Abstract: A closure wall (30) is pivotally connected to a pair of opposite sidewalls (48, 50) by pivot pins (68) carried by the closure wall bracket (38) and pivot pin receiving openings (74) in the sidewalls (48, 50). The pivot pins (68) are connected to the closure wall (38) by pivot pin supporting arms (62, 64). These arms (62, 64) are connected to side portions (56, 58) of the closure wall (38) adjacent open ends of splits (40, 42) that separate the side portions (56, 58) from the central portion (60). The pivot pins (68) and pivot pin receiving openings (74) are offset from end surfaces (78, 80, 82, 84) on the socket sidewalls (48, 50, 70, 72) the distance x. They are also offset from the outer surface of the sidewall (72). Sidewall (72) intersects end wall (82) at a line (L).

Abstract: An over molded reflective optical fiber terminal (100) generally includes an end portion of an optical fiber (102) that has been stripped of its buffer (104), a terminal block (106), an integral mirror (108) formed on the terminal block (106), and an optical element such as a window (112). The terminal block (106) is preferably formed from transparent injection molded plastic. The block can be molded so as to define a profile for the mirror (108). By virtue of this design, construction and alignment of the terminal/mirror system is simplified and costs are reduced. In addition, the reflective surface of the mirror (108) may be protected against dust or other optical interference. Moreover, a compact reliable terminal system for off axis application is provided.

Abstract: An optical connector comprises a housing (20) into which optical transmission devices (10A, B) are plugged, a movable member (40) movable with respect to the housing in accordance with movement of the optical transmission device (10B), and a shutter (52) attached to the movable member so as to be movable with respect to the housing in accordance with movement of the movable member for opening/closing the optical output of the optical transmission device.

Abstract: In an improved optical switch, light from an input optical fiber is directed to one of a plurality of output optical fibers on a selective basis. The output fibers are contained in a bundle, preferably within a removable connector, thereby easing removal and maintenance. The input fiber also preferably forms pair of a bundle within a removable connector. The means for selectively directing the light from the end of the input fiber to the end of one of a plurality of the output fibers may include a pivot upon which at least the input optical fiber is mounted, or an electro-optic Bragg cell without moving parts. One or more lenses are preferably used between the end of the input optical fiber and the ends of the output fibers to assist in directing the light. A preferred arrangement incorporates two lenses, positioned so that the end of the output fiber and the end of a selected input fiber are each located at the focal point of one of the lenses.

Abstract: A transmission cell apparatus for in-process spectroscopy comprising symmetric compound parabolic light concentrators (4, 5) terminating optical transmission fibers (8, 9) and abutting windows (2, 3) defining the sample cell.

Abstract: An optical fiber wavelength filter which has superior optical properties and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. The optical fiber wavelength filter is composed of: a pair of glass ferrules which are transparent to ultraviolet rays and which are provided with optical fibers; and a thin dielectric multilayer film filter fixed between the distal ends of the ferrules. To manufacture the optical fiber wavelength filter, the optical fibers are bonded and secured to the pair of glass ferrules which are transparent to ultraviolet rays and the end surfaces thereof are ground. Then, the multilayer film filter and an adhesive agent which is hardened by the ultraviolet rays are disposed between the distal ends of the ferrules with the optical fibers, and the optical axes are aligned using a V-groove aligning jig.

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, a pair of optical lens elements are contained within the housing which collimate optical signals transmitted via the respective optical fibers, and a micro-alignable sensing fiber is arranged between the lens elements. The sensing fiber is precisely aligned with respective lens elements 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: A connecting housing for optical transmission lines, consisting of an upper and a lower housing part, which are joined in the manner of a snap fastener. Once the housing is connected, a free beam distance appears between the optical transmission lines, in which optical elements are arranged for focussing and/or deflecting the light beam.

Abstract: A variable attenuator includes a rotatable actuator and cam arrangement arranged to vary a length of an air gap between ends of fibers in a transmission line. The cam arrangement includes a cylindrically shaped cam member having an end surface cut to fit a curve representing normalized attenuation-to-gap-length data, the cam follower(s) being fitted in a sliding member that holds the end of the optical fiber and moves it relative to a fixed end of another fiber connector member. The cam surface includes multiple identical cam surface sections extending less than 180° around the cam to define movement of the cam follower(s) and the sliding member between a maximum position and a minimum position.

Abstract: In an optical transmit-receive module, an optical fiber plug connected with an optical fiber for optical transmission is removably inserted in a housing. Within the housing, there are provided a branching type light guide, and an optical semiconductor device giving an optical signal to the branching type light guide and receiving an optical signal from the branching type light guide. When the optical fiber plug is inserted in the housing, it is optically connected with the branching type light guide through a light-permeable member having a refractive index approximately equal to refractive indices of the optical fiber and the branching type light guide.

Abstract: The invention provides cascaded Fabry-Perot filters having a plurality of optical fibers within a single F-P cavity. Of particular interest are cascaded FFPs having two, three or four optical fiber paths in the filter. An all-fiber FFP filter has a ferrule assembly having two or more aligned fiber ferrules, each having a plurality of optical fibers bonded into axial bores. Mirrors within the ferrule assembly transverse to the fibers from the F-P cavity. The FP filters can be fixed wavelength or tunable by changing an air gap within the cavity. The invention also provides ferrule holders useful for maintaining alignment of and for tuning the air gap of ferrule assemblies. The holders are particularly useful for construction of cascaded F-P filters.

Abstract: A multiaxial optical coupler for use in a device using an LiNbO3 substrate, which is reliable over a wide temperature range and capable of reducing coupling loss. A capillary has a plurality of linear through holes formed therethrough in a manner each inclined with respect to the central axis of the capillary such that the extension line of the central axis of the linear through hole extends through the center of a lens. A plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the linear through holes, respectively. This construction enables the optical axis of an optical beam emitted from each of the optical fibers within the capillary to pass through the center of the lens and reach the end face of a corresponding one of the optical waveguides. Similarly, the construction enables the optical axis of an optical beam emitted from the end face of each of the optical waveguides on the substrate to pass through the center of the lens and reach a corresponding one of the optical fibers within the capillary.

Abstract: An optical fiber buildout system including a base, a cap, an attenuator element, and a ferrule sleeve. The base has side flanges and upper and lower panel flanges that extend therefrom which add strength to the buildout. The cap includes a sleeve housing that extends both outwardly and inwardly from the front side of the cap. The sleeve housing has front and rear ends and a passage that extends therebetween. Extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of the cap are upper and lower latch tabs that are adapted to engage the base to releasably connect the cap to the base. Typically, an attenuator element is used with the system to attenuate the signal being transmitted through the buildout. The attenuator element is slidably mounted in a ferrule sleeve that is inserted into the sleeve housing.

Abstract: A new and unique connector adapter shutter door assembly retrofitable to many existing connector adapters or receptacles which becomes a part of the same by connectedly fitting or snapping into place. The shutter door assembly can be used as a safety device to prevent laser light from escaping when a connector is removed from an adapter or receptacle. Because of the ease with which the shutter door assembly can be retrofitted to existing adapters, it is possible to selectively install the shutter door assembly only when a safety hazard is present. Also the shutter door assembly can be used to shield a connector end to prevent foreign matter, such as dust and dirt, from entering the connector. The shutter door assembly is a molded one-piece structure and has inwardly hinged doors permitting one hand connector insertion and withdrawal. The streamline design of the shutter door assembly takes very little space when in use making it desirable for typical space constrained applications.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector coupling medium disposable in an axial bore of a connector sleeve member for coupling a fiber optic cable end portion to a light transmitting conductor member. The coupling medium has a resilient generally disk shaped portion having first and second convex end portions engageable with a corresponding one of the fiber optic cable end portion and conductor member in the axial bore of a sleeve member. The coupling medium has good optical clarity, low hardness and tackiness to provide an improved light transmission coupling. The coupling medium is also relatively thin and has substantially the same refractive index as a fiber optic cable end portion and a conductor member between which the coupling medium is disposed.

Abstract: An optical connector is disclosed which includes self-closing shutters to protect the optical contacts from environmental contamination when male and female portions of the connector are disconnected. The optical connector is comprised of male and female portions having means for permitting interconnection while the male and female portions are slightly axially misaligned. Male and female portions of the optical connector each contain one or more spring loaded optical contacts protected by a shutter mechanism and having a body with a spring loaded shutter cap and a shutter disk. The shutter disk contains two apertures which can be made to align with two apertures in the cap of the shutter when the shutter is rotated to an open position. The optical contacts contained in each portion of the optical connector are exposed for interconnection when the male and female portions of the optical connector are joined together.

Abstract: An electronically variable optical attenuator includes focusing optics that enable the use of a micro-mechanical actuation device with minute movement properties. The actuation device controls the position of a light blocking member relative to the path of a focused light beam to thereby control the attenuation of the light beam.