Abstract: A buildout system generally comprising a buildout base and a buildout cap. The base includes lateral sides that extend beyond the top and bottom sides of the base to form side flanges, and upper and lower panel flanges that extend upwardly and downwardly from the side flanges. In addition, the base includes a plurality of gussets that extend forwardly from the lateral sides of the base. The cap includes upper and lower latch tabs that extend outwardly from the top and bottom sides of the cap and a plurality of recesses that are adapted to receive the gussets of the base. In one aspect of the invention, the base further includes vertical flanges and the cap includes vertical recesses adapted to receive the vertical flanges of the base when the cap is releasably connected to the base.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighting system connector for coupling a fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable, or a light source, or a light fixture. The connector includes a sleeve member having an axial bore for receiving a fiber optic cable, and a cap having an axial bore for receiving the fiber optic cable. The cap is rotatably coupled to the sleeve member, and a first ramped surface of the sleeve member is engagable with a plurality of fingers extending flexibly into the axial bore of the cap to move the plurality of fingers radially inwardly toward the fiber optic cable upon rotation of the cap. One or more teeth protruding from one or more of the plurality of fingers are engagable with the fiber optic cable to axially bias the fiber optic cable into the axial bore of the sleeve member toward another fiber optic cable, or toward a light source or light fixture conductor member retained in the axial bore of the sleeve member.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor module structure comprises a housing which has an optical coupling means comprising an optical semiconductor element and a ferrule accommodating an optical fiber therein, a portion of said housing for holding said ferrule being formed to be a protuberant portion, wherein said optical semiconductor module structure is provided with, for coupling an optical connector with said protuberant portion, a means for regulating said optical connector in the direction of the axis of said ferrule and a means for regulating said optical connector in a direction right to the axis of said ferrule.

Abstract: An optical device wherein between an end part through which light enters from the outside into the optical device and an end part through which light emerges to the outside of the waveguide core, a slit which crosses the waveguide core and in which an optical element is to be installed is provided, and the core size of said slit is made smaller than those of said incident end and said emergence end.

Abstract: A color adjustable light conducting apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with a standard fiberoptic illuminator having a light output port. The apparatus includes an elongate, light transmitting fiberoptic cable or other type of conductor. A fitting and a color adjuster is carried by a distal end of the cable. The color adjuster may include a filter wheel that is rotated to position a selected color filter in the cable. A fitting and a second color adjuster may be attached to a first end of the cable for interengaging the fiberoptic illuminator.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber connection system comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers are particularly preferred for fabricating attenuator elements as they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions. Preferably, a disc-like attenuator element is punch-cut from a sheet of a silicone elastomer and inserted into the sleeve of an optical connector apparatus adjacent the end portion of an optical fiber to provide a simplified method of fabrication. Alternatively, the silicone attenuator element may be fabricated by liquid injection molding technology. The approximate reflectance of the inventive silicone attenuators at wavelengths of about 1310 nm measured at 23.degree. C. is less than -50 dB.

Abstract: An optical nonreciprocal apparatus, preferably an optical isolator, and a method of isolating propagation of light signals from multiple input optical fibers to multiple output optical fibers utilize compact isolator chips formed by a nonreciprocal rotator assembly that is sandwiched between two walk-off crystals. The nonreciprocal rotator assembly provides 90.degree. rotation of polarization components of forward propagating light beams, while providing 0.degree. rotation for rearward propagating light beams. In one embodiment, the optical nonreciprocal apparatus includes two isolator chips between an array of lenses to provide two-stage optical isolator. Preferably, the walk-off crystals in the second isolator chip provide displacement of aligned polarization components of forward propagating light beams in a direction that is perpendicular to the walk-off directions of the walk-off crystals in the first isolator chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling element for coupling between optical elements, for instance a ferrule encased fiber end and a lens, two lenses, or filter and lens assemblies, which provides a reliable joint with a determined spacing and angular orientation between them if needed. Advantageously, the coupling in accordance with the present invention does not obscure optical transmission through the coupling with an epoxy layer. A stand off element is provided which has opposite reference surfaces for joining the end faces of the optical elements and a central aperture, slot or equivalent open area for light transmission. In use the open area is aligned, for example with the fiber end and the desired port in the lens. Adhesive connection can be provided between the opposite surfaces of the stand off element and the coupling end faces of the optical elements. No epoxy is applied over the open area. Other securing methods such as external securing elements can be used.

Abstract: Adapter-type optical isolator 1 has split sleeve 7 within housings A and B. Polarization-independent optical isolator is of such a structure that optical isolator device 3 which is an integral assembly of a Faraday rotator and a birefringent crystal element is provided within hollow cylindrical magnet 4. Beam changing elements 5a and 5b are in the form of optical coupling lenses or core-flared fibers. Adapter-type optical isolator 1 has the polarization-independent optical isolator and beam changing elements 5a and 5b fitted snugly within the bore of split sleeve 7 in the central area in such a way that the polarization-independent optical isolator is held between beam changing elements 5a and 5b.

Abstract: In an arrangement for coupling an optical waveguide to an optical device, particularly for a laser application, or to another optical waveguide, the optical waveguide is held in a fiber plug which can be connected with a countercoupling part in which the end of the waveguide is introduced into a fixed centering sleeve and centered. The discardable fiber plug of simple construction is fastened on the elastic fiber cladding of the optical waveguide, and the projecting front end of the waveguide is bared down to the optical fiber cladding. The optical waveguide fiber which is introduced into said centering sleeve is bared, and centering is facilitated by the elasticity of the fiber. The centering sleeve may be provided with an introducing cone, and may have an elastic diameter, and the fiber plug may be fastened on the countercoupling part by means of instant plug-in connections.

Abstract: A shield for the end of a fiber optic connector or fiber optic connector adapter is disclosed. The shield includes a radiation absorbing element which prevents significant amounts of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation from being discharged through the end of a connector or adapter.

Abstract: The melting point of a test substance is determined by placing it in a capillary tube within a heated block. The temperature of the block and sample are gradually increased using an electrical heater. The output of a light emitting diode or solid state laser is coupled into an optical fiber that carries the radiation to the capillary tube containing the test substance. A second fiber that is connected to a detector collects radiation from the capillary tube. At the melting point of a solid, or possibly at the boiling point of a liquid, the light scattering and transmissive properties of the test substance change causing the light signal collected by the second fiber to change. The phase transition point is recorded as a change in the output voltage from the detector. The melting point detector is equipped with a number of ports for capillary tubes, fibers, light emitters and detectors so that many phase transition points of different samples can be determined in one heating cycle.

Abstract: An optical assembly, particularly for use as an optical circulator or optical isolator, includes utilizing an array of parallel thermally expanded core (TEC) fibers for transmitting light signals into and receiving light signals from an array of optical elements that is both polarization-dependent and non-reciprocal with respect to displacement of light propagating in opposite directions. In the preferred embodiment, the TEC fibers are precisely aligned using silicon V-groove techniques. Also in the preferred embodiment, focusing is used to improve the performance of the optical assembly. A microlens array reconverges the light energy of a polarization component that is propagating through the optical assembly separately from its associated polarization component. The array of microlenses may be formed into the glass substrate by diffusing ions through a photolithographic mask.

Abstract: A fiber optic relay for an individual light guide according to the present invention includes a first light guide from a remote source of illumination, which is coupled to second light guide in series by a relay having a light shut-off means including an electro-magnetic solenoid. In a preferred embodiment the light is fully off when the solenoid is de-energized and has the solenoid plunger disposed between the first and second light guides, blocking light transmission from the first light guide to the second light guide. When the solenoid is energized from a remote source of electrical power the solenoid plunger is withdrawn from between the first and second light guides, allowing light from the first light guide to pass into the second light guide with low attenuation and high efficiency.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing module capable of multiplexing or demultiplexing a plurality of optical signals having close wavelengths with less crosstalk. The wavelength division multiplexing module includes a housing having a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall inclined a predetermined angle with respect to the first side wall, and a common port assembly fixed to the bottom wall of the housing so as to emit a collimated beam substantially perpendicular to the first side wall. One or more filter port assemblies are fixed to the first side wall in the condition that the pass wavelength characteristic and optical axis of each assembly have been adjusted. Similarly, one or more filter port assemblies are fixed to the second side wall in the condition that the pass wavelength characteristic and optical axis of each assembly have been adjusted. Each filter port assembly includes an optical film holder rotatable in a hole having a center axis inclined a predetermined angle .theta.

Abstract: The optical connector according to the present invention comprises, at least, an optical filter with a waveguide structure having a grating with a predetermined reflection wavelength and a plug attached to a tip of the optical filter. The grating is disposed at a tip portion of the optical filter and accommodated in the plug attached to the tip portion of the optical filter. Further, the optical connector has various light-blocking structures for preventing unnecessary light from traveling a filter region of the optical filter including the grating.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminal provided with an optical isolator having a Faraday rotator, including an optical fiber retained in a ferrule, an optical isolator element, and a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator is improved to provide a minimum possible outer diameter. The fiber terminal comprises an attaching member for fixedly attaching the optical isolator and the permanent magnet to the ferrule together; an air layer between an end of said optical fiber and said optical isolator element; a first outer diameter of said ferrule on the side of the optical isolator constituting a maximum diameter of the optical fiber terminal, a second outer diameter of said ferrule on the side of the optical fiber being smaller than the first maximum diameter; and the periphery of the permanent magnet being exposed to the air.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic device with a module comprising a holder with an amplifier and on either side thereof a lens and a glass fiber which can be aligned relative to the amplifier. The module also comprises two monitor diodes. A disadvantage of the known device is that the lenses cannot be easily aligned relative to the amplifier, and the monitor diodes cannot be easily connected electrically. The use of a spherical lenses also poses a problem. In a device according to the invention, the monitor diodes are so positioned that they are capable of detecting radiation reflected at the outside of the lenses instead of radiation refracted and reflected within the lenses, while the radiation-sensitive surfaces of the monitor diodes are positioned such that they receive more radiation from one lens than from the other lens.

Abstract: A connection assembly for two or more optical fibers, which is hermetically sealed by means of a thin-walled flexible metallic sleeve. The assembly comprises two fiber ends, each terminating in an optical component such as a lens, the lenses having distal end faces held together so that light can pass from one fiber to the other through the lenses, and a fiber tube is mounted on each fiber adjacent the proximal ends of the respective lens and is hermetically sealed to the fiber. Each fiber tube has a metallic coating, and the thin-walled metallic sleeve is connected by solder to the metallic coatings on the fiber tubes. Preferably, the metallic sleeve has a central portion with bellows-like convolutions.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a connector for fiber optic transmission cables, incorporating into it a variable attenuator. The variable attenuation is achieved by having a screw arrangement vary an air gap, and additional embodiments of the invention feature ways of fixing the attenuation at a given level and of minimizing back-reflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting member for facilitating connecting of optical fibers, and a connecting method in which the loss due to connecting is small. An optical fiber connecting member is composed of: a retaining portion having through-holes each of which has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of optical fibers to be connected; and introduction portions which are integrally formed with and on the opposite end sides of the retaining portion and each of which has introduction grooves communicated with the through-holes to thereby make it easy to insert ends of the optical fibers into the through-holes. Further, the inner diameter of each of the through-holes is reduced by heating the connecting member to thereby make axis alignment of the optical fibers automatically to obtain connecting in which the connecting loss is reduced.

Abstract: An optical isolator array is presented. The array has a substrate with parallel grooves and a groove perpendicular to the parallel grooves to separate them. First sleeves each holding an end section of a first optical fiber and a first collimating element are fixed in the parallel grooves on one side of the perpendicular groove. Second sleeves each holding an end section of a second optical fiber and a second collimating element are fixed in the parallel grooves on the other side of the perpendicular groove. An optical isolator core subassembly having first and second strips of birefringent polarizer material, and a strip of Faraday rotator material between the first and second strips of birefringent polarizer materials is fixed in the perpendicular groove.

Abstract: An optical fiber attenuator includes an optical fiber section having an end at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the section. The end has on it a first layer of substantially transparent anti-reflective material, a second layer of light attenuating material on the first layer and a third layer of substantially transparent anti-reflective material over the second layer. A fourth layer of substantially transparent, relatively hard scratch-resistant material may be added on the third layer.

Abstract: An optical shutter for use with optical fiber connector coupling adapters has a front, transverse face which is sufficient to cover the opening in the adapter. The transverse portion has a pair of pivot arms extending from either side thereof which are adapted, at their distal ends, to be pivotally connected to the coupling adapter, thereby providing a pivotal mounting for the shutter. The transverse face also has a flange extending from one end thereof to permit actuation of the shutter, i.e. opening or closing, by means of the connector to be inserted in the adapter, or after removal of the adapter.

Abstract: This specialized fiber optic jumper cable includes a composite cable with a glass fiber light guide for single or multi transmission mode, standard fiber optic connectors, electrically powered light emitting devices at the fiber optic connectors, and a pair of electrical conductors embedded in the cable, with one or more electrical power connectors for selectively applying an external electrical power source to the light emitting devices. One embodiment has a fiber optic connector at each end of the jumper. An LED and an electric power connector suitable for plug-in connection of a power pack are affixed to the cable adjacent each end such that both LEDs are lighted whenever power is applied to either of the electrical connectors. The attendant illumination of the LEDs provides an indication that the tracer system is activated and functioning properly and readily indicates where both ends of the same jumper cable are located.

Abstract: A fibre optic coupling assembly includes a coupling assembly comprised of a spring loaded coupling lock which locks to fibre connectors together by way of spring balls located in locking grooves. The forward movement of the coupling locks, against the spring pressure of the spring, allows the disengagement of the two fibre connectors. The fibre connector has a connector housing with a crimp sleeve and an outer coupling nut. The coupling nut is threadably received over the rear end of the connector housing. The combination of the coupling nut and the crimp sleeve provides for strain relief of the fibre cable as well as pushes the fibre forward due to the radial contraction of the crimp sleeve, thereby gripping the outer insulation of the cable, and forcing the entire cable further forward upon further rotation of the coupling nut.

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: An optical fiber terminal fitted with an optical isolator in close proximity in a unitary structure comprises an optical fiber, a ferrule which holds the optical fiber in position, at least one magneto-optical element located as aligned with the optical fiber, and a cylindrical permanent magnet that applies a magnetic field to the magneto-optical element. The magneto-optical element is disposed axially outside of the magnet, and the end face of the optical fiber is located in the hollow of the magnet or in the space between the magnet and the magneto-optical element, so that the overall outside diameter and length can be decreased. The ferrule, made of a soft magnetic material, increases the magnetic field strength of the magnet.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector is provided which is of simple, dirt-resistant, and easily cleaned construction. The connector includes an outer body (1, FIG. 1) having a main bore (2), a ferrule (4) lying in precision sliding fit in the main bore, with an optical fibre (9) extending through the ferrule, a spacer (15) lying against the front of the ferrule, and a spherical lens (3) lying against the spacer. The outer member (1) has a larger second bore (10). A termination sleeve (8) lies in the second bore, presses forwardly on the ferrule, extends rearwardly through a stepped bore (11) in a securing member (12), and is biased forwardly by an elastomeric part (14) in the securing member. The spherical lens (3) has an anti-reflection coating and is bonded to the front surface (17) of the spacer.

Abstract: A fibre optics connector comprises a moulded plastic housing with a through bore. The bore has a first bore portion of small cross-section, opening into a forward end of the housing and communicating with a larger cross-section bore portion. An intermediate fibre is bonded into the smaller cross-section bore portion, a length of the intermediate fibre projecting into the larger cross-section bore portion. The intermediate fibre has at its forward end a first optically polished end face and at its rear end a second optically polished end face. A longitudinally split, fibre alignment sleeve is expansible radially and is positioned in the larger cross-section bore portion. The sleeve receives the projecting length of the intermediate fibre and grips it. The rear optically polished end face of the intermediate fibre is covered by a refractive index matching material which has been injected into the sleeve.

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: Compact, fixed-wavelength and tunable fiber optic lasers combine a sub-millimeter length of high-gain rare-earth-doped, sensitized glass fiber within a fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) cavity. Tunable, single-frequency fiber lasers at 1535 nm employing high-gain erbium:ytterbium phosphate glass fiber are specifically provided. Single-frequency and/or single-polarization mode erbium:ytterbium glass fiber lasers, having cavity lengths less than about 200 .mu.m with continuous wavelength tuning range over several nanometers are provided. Amplified single-frequency lasers incorporating fiber rare-earth ion optical amplifiers are also provided. Single-frequency lasing employing sub-millimeter lengths of rare-earth doped sensitized fiber in a 3 mirror laser design is also demonstrated.

Abstract: Improved ferrule alignment fixtures for use in fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filters are provided. The inventive alignment fixtures have ferrule holders with shaped passageways for holding fiber-containing ferrules in three-point contact which allow fiber alignment using a rotary alignment technique.The FFPs have a fiber ferrule assembly which when aligned in the inventive ferrule holder forms an optical cavity between mirrors transverse to the fiber in the ferrule assembly. Wavelength tunable FFPs have a piezoelectric transducer interposed between the ferrule holders which can be used to change the length of the optical cavity and tune the filter.

Abstract: An optical wave guide coupler with an integral signal modifying element that passively compensates for temperature variations by automatically tilting the element and thereby changing its operating characteristics with changes in temperature. The element is also rotatably, yet firmly, supported by the coupler and is retained at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the coupler so that the operating characteristics of the element may be selectively varied by rotation of the element holder of the coupler.

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

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler and its method of use are disclosed. In the coupler a centrally located lens is disposed between the ends of the source and outlet optical fibers, the fibers themselves are formed into the most spacing filling configuration at their ends adjacent the lens, and the lens and fiber ends are secured with an adhesive. The lens, fibers and adhesive will all have substantially equivalent indices of refraction so that there is no excessive light attenuation through the lens and adhesive layers. The optical fibers may be glass or polymer, be single or multiple mode, and have uniform, step or graded refractive indices. A wide variety of combinations of fiber bundles, from single fibers to bundles of up to 128 or more fibers, can be coupled through this device. In its method of use aspect, the received fibers are inserted into the sleeve and adhered to the lens with the adhesive, while venting trapped air and excess adhesive.

Abstract: Temperature compensated Fiber Fabry Perot filters are provided. These filters display minimal wavelength drift over a wide range of temperatures. The temperature coefficients of the filters can be adjusted after construction. These FFPs are particularly useful in applications in which filter size is a constraint. The disclosed filter designs can be employed for minaturized filters which retain thermal and optical stability over a wide range of temperatures. In particular, low-loss thermally stable FFPs suitable for use in circuit board applications are provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminal fitted with an optical isolator comprises an optical fiber, a ferrule which holds the optical fiber in position, and an optical isolator which includes an optical isolator assembly having at least one magneto-optical element and at least one polarizer and means for applying a magnetic field of less than saturation to the magneto-optical element. The fiber, ferrule, and isolator are disposed close to one another and joined integrally. The optical isolator has a maximum outside diameter not more than twice, preferably substantially equal to, the outside diameter of the ferrule.

Abstract: A variable attenuator for a fiber optic transmission system includes first and second optical fibers which are axially aligned. The fibers are provided with spherical polishes. The radius of each of the fibers originates at an axis which is offset from an axis of the fiber cores.

Abstract: The invention relates to optically transmissive, silica-containing compositions which exhibit a small change of refractive index with respect to temperature changes (dn.sub.g /dT). The compositions are derived from silica sols dispersed in liquid organic polymers. The invention relates to optical systems comprising a plurality of elements that are optically interconnected by means of the inventive composition. An especially preferred embodiment of the invention is the use of the composition within a connector to simultaneously align and join optical fibers.

Abstract: A patch cord includes a cable having a primary transmission member contained within a protective sheathing. An energy transmission member is carried on the cable and extends from a first end to a second end. First and second couplings are connected to the first and second ends of the energy transmission member. The first coupling receives energy from an external source and transmits the energy along the energy transmission member toward the second coupling. The second coupling receives energy from the energy transmission member and generates a visible signal in response to the received energy.

Abstract: A device for coupling a laser diode emission to an optical fiber is provided. The device utilizes two opposed mirrors to redirect the divergent light beam of the laser diode to within the smaller numerical aperture or angle of acceptance of the optical fiber. The two opposed mirrors can be, for example, concave elliptical mirrors, a convex spherical and a concave spherical mirror, or a planar mirror and a concave spherical mirror. Each mirror has an aperture therein to allow passage of the initial laser diode beam or the redirected beam to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of connecting an optical fiber to a planar optical waveguide is provided in which an end face of a waveguide chip in which planar optical waveguides are formed is abutted against an end face of a fiber aligning jig on which optical fibers are arranged, to thereby connect the optical fiber to the corresponding planar optical waveguide. At least one marker is formed in each of the waveguide chip and the fiber aligning jig, and also at least one pin guide groove is formed in each of the waveguide chip and the fiber aligning jig, using the marker as a reference mark. The markers of the waveguide chip and the fiber aligning jig are aligned with each other along optical axes of the planar optical waveguides when the waveguide chip and the fiber aligning jig are abutted against each other. Further, fiber guide grooves are formed in the fiber aligning jig, using the marker as a reference mark.

Abstract: The present invention provides fiber Fabry-Perot filters having an adjustable temperature coefficient. Passive means and adjustable means for changing the temperature coefficients of FFPs are provided. These means allow adjustment of the temperature coefficient of the filter to minimize wavelength (or frequency) drift as a function of temperature. The means for temperature coefficient adjustment described herein are particularly useful in combination with electronic means for changing the cavity length, such as piezoelectric transducer elements. Controlling the thicknesses of epoxy used to attach PZTs in the filter fixture has been found to lead to improved reproducibility of passive temperature compensation. An adjustable means for changing the temperature coefficient of a FFP after its construction by varying the points of contact between the filter ferrules and the filter fixture is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an optical module using a mold die including cavity portions for holding an optical connector, electronic circuit parts, and lead pins which constitute component parts of the optical module, so as to form a package. The mold die has alignment portions in which rectangular channels for aligning the optical connector are formed. Partition plates are disposed vertically between the cavity portions and the alignment portions and adapted to prevent a resin from flowing out from the cavity portions during the resin molding. An optical connector, circuit parts, and lead pins are held in the die. Resin is injected into the cavity portion to form the optical module.

Abstract: Precise axial alignment of fibers to be connected is achieved with a male-to-male arrangement consisting of substantially identical fiber-receiving substrates and a coupler element which takes several configurations. A lensing element such as a ball/sphere is positioned in a well placed directly beyond a precision V-groove formed on a substrate surface, so that the fiber axes extend through substantially the center of the lensing element and are coaxial. The coupler contains a fiber-aligning V-groove and reference surface zones that interact in various ways with two ball-alignment elements of the substrates, to maintain critical substrate surfaces parallel to and precisely spaced from the coupler's reference surfaces.

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

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

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough (20,24) for passing through a panel (10) and maintaining a sealed relationship between different fluid environments existing on opposite sides of the panel. A guide tube (25) secured within an opening (44) in the panel (10) by a glass seal (46). The end portions of two fibers (16, 18) to be interconnected through the panel are secured within individual termini (28,42) with the latter located within the guide tube (25) and sealed by O-rings (50,56) against fluid passage therethrough.

Abstract: A low loss, tunable optical filter (20) comprises two ferrules (24-24) which are aligned axially with each of two adjacent end faces being provided with a wafer (30). A mirror (40) is embedded between each end face and its associated wafer, the wafer being bonded to the end face of its associated wafer. Optical fiber is disposed in a passageway which extends through each ferrule and through the associated wafer. The ferrules and associated wafers are supported to cause adjacent exposed faces of the wafers to be in predetermined spatial relation to each other. Any gap therebetween may be fixed or may be adjusted by a piezoelectric transducer system (44). The disclosed filter provides rejection ratios which are sufficiently high for frequency discrimination in frequency shift keying systems and for channel selection or switching in wave division multiplexer applications.