Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermally expanded core (TEC) fiber including the steps of arc-fusion splicing two optical fibers having different clad outer diameters, and cutting boundary surface between an optical fiber having a small clad outer diameter and an optical fiber having a large clad outer diameter of the two optical fibers to obtain the thermally expanded core (TEC) fiber. Also, the method further includes the step of polishing the cutting face of the optical fiber having a small clad outer diameter of the two cut optical fibers.

Abstract: A closure for cable connection which is capable of preventing deformation thereof, facilitating incorporation and setting of a cable therein, exhibiting increased safety and airtightness, and attaining sleeve assembling and cable connection with improved workability. A sleeve is provided therein with a cable connection mechanism including a cable clamp, a tension member holder, and a fiber cable storage casing in which a fiber connection section of cable fibers and an excessive fiber are received. The sleeve is provided on upper and lower portions of an inner surface thereof with connection fitment mounting sections, on which a frame-like connection fitment for mounting the cable connection mechanism thereon is detachably fittedly fixed.

Abstract: A quick restoration splice block comprises a rectangular block of transparent material including an opening for accepting the prepared endfaces of the pair of fibers to be spliced. A brightly colored indicator stripe is formed on the underside of the fiber opening. As the fiber endfaces are moved toward each other, the indicator stripe will be covered. When the stripe is no longer visible, butt-to-butt coupled of the fibers is achieved.

Abstract: A splice module for use in fiber optic cable alignment and splicing devices is disclosed, having a multi-piece v-groove module and, in one embodiment, a separately disposable electrode module such that in use only the electrode module needs to be replaced after each fiber optic cable splicing operation. The v-groove module comprises three pieces of nonconductive ceramic material held together with an adhesive. The three pieces provide for a precision v-groove for fiber optic cable alignment during mechanical splicing or fusion splicing. The electrode module includes a nonconductive ceramic with plated electrode circuit and an adhesive for mounting in the v-groove module. The electrode module provides the arc for fusing fiber optic cable and is designed to be user replaceable and inexpensive. Also disclosed is a tool and method for the easy user replacement of the electrode module of the present invention.

Abstract: A splice holder for securing and retaining fiber optic splices. The splice holder accommodates a higher density of splices than prior art splice holders, improves access to individual splices and minimizes interference to adjacent splices during removal. The splice holder comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced apart longitudinal members extending from a base. Adjacent pair of members define a channel for retaining a splice. Each channel is tilted having its longitudinal axis at an acute angle relative to the plane of the base such that a splice placed along a channel has one raised end further away from the bottom mounting surface of the base than the opposite end closer to the bottom mounting surface. The plurality of channels are alternatively tilted such that the channels are staggered at the front and rear edges of the base to facilitate access to the raised end of a splice without interfering with adjacent splices closer to the bottom mounting surface of the base.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon Fusion-splicing apparatus for fusion-splicing end faces of optical fibers to each other includes an optical fiber jacket stripper including a portable main body, a power supply input terminal exposed/formed on one surface of the main body, a clamping and heating element for clamping a distal end portion of a coating of an optical fiber and heating/softening the distal end portion by using a heat accumulator which is electrically heated and has a large heat capacity, a pair of cutting blades for cutting a fiber jacket closer to a proximal end portion side of the optical fiber than the distal end portion, and a jacket stripping mechanism which is placed to oppose the clamping and heating element through the cutting blades and slides in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber with respect to the clamping and heating element while holding the proximal end portion of the optical fiber, thereby stripping off the fiber jacket of the distal end portion, and a power supply terminal electr

Abstract: The fiber jacket application system is used to provide a protective jacket over spliced optical fibers (10, 12), such as to coat a length of bare fiber, previously coated fiber, and particularly to rejacket a length of fiber in which the jacket was removed for splicing. Curable jacketing material is twice fed from a reservoir (28) through a small orifice or syringe (32) onto the respective sides of bared portions (10d, 12d) of the fiber. A first material (14) is deposited from and between the existing jackets (10a, 12a) and onto essentially half of the bared portions. A second material (16) is deposited in bonded contact with the first applied material from and between the surrounding protective jackets and onto essentially the remaining half of the bared portions.

Abstract: The length of optical cable affected when splicing in sensors is reduced by cutting and splicing two distribution fiber lines and two return fiber lines to each sensor. The cable includes a spare distribution fiber line and a spare return fiber line. The optical cable is first stripped back to expose the optical fibers therein. For both the distribution and return lines, one fiber is cut at the proximal end of the stripped back portion of the cable, and another fiber is cut at the distal end of the stripped back portion. These fibers are then fused to respective ports on the sensor. Thus, each of the optical channels is formed from more than one optical fiber. The resulting cable is less stiff and more flexible.

Abstract: A fiber rolling mechanism is provided to rotate a single optical fiber along its axis so as to align markers placed in the fiber to other fiber's relative markers.

Abstract: A procedure for assembling ends of optical fiber into a sheet where adhesive is deposited into parallel grooves in a top surface of a substrate. The optical fibers are placed into the grooves with one optical fiber per groove. A portion of each of the optical fibers, including the ends, extends beyond an edge of the substrate. A plate is pressed against the substrate to hold the optical fibers in the grooves. The plate has a flat surface which extends beyond the edge of the substrate and over the portion of each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate. A lip is contacted with and pressed against each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate to press the optical fibers against the flat surface of the plate. The adhesive is allowed to harden during the lip press to adhere the optical fibers and the plate to the substrate to form the sheet.

Abstract: A sleeve and method are provided for protecting a splice of an optical fiber. The sleeve includes a support member and a plurality of optical fibers with the splice and being adjacent the support member. A heat deformable inner tube encompasses each of the plurality of optical fibers at the splice and a heat deformable outer tube encompasses at least partially the support member, the plurality of optical fibers at the splice, and each of the inner tubes. The method includes the acts of sliding the sleeve over a first free end of a plurality of optical fibers such that one of the inner tubes encompasses each of the fibers and then splicing the first free end of the plurality of optical fibers to a corresponding second free end of the plurality of optical fibers. Subsequently, the sleeve is slide over the splice of the first and second free ends and heat is applied to the sleeve to further strengthen the splice upon cooling.

Abstract: An in-line hermetic seal for an optical fiber which has an outer diameter and a stripped mid-section contains the stripped mid-section. A tube has an interior with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber and has an opening through a wall of the tube to the interior. The tube and the optical fiber having the stripped mid-section extending through the tube define an annular space therebetween. Soldering means fills the annular space. Sealing means holds the optical fiber approximately centered in ends of the tube. The stripped mid-section is contained by the tube, the sealing means and the soldering means. A method in accordance with the present invention is also described.

Abstract: When splicing optical fibers of different kinds to each other by means of arc welding, a matching of the mode field diameters of the fibers is desired. This is accomplished by prolonging (period 55) the heating after making the splice (period 53). During the prolonged heating the hot-fiber indices of the two fiber ends are continuously determined. Either one of these indices or some suitable quantity derived therefrom is all the time compared to a threshold value and when it is reached the heating is stopped. The threshold value has been determined in a preceding stage using test fiber pieces of the same kind in a splicing operation with prolonged heating. Then, in such a threshold level determining stage in addition to the hot-fiber indices, the transmission of light is constantly measured during the heating and when it has its maximum value the corresponding hot-fiber indices are stored and used for deriving the threshold value. This method of matching mode field diameters is simple and takes a short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for observing, before and after fusion-splicing of optical fibers such as ribbon fibers each including a plurality of optical fibers in particular, the butting state of the tip portion of each of fiber ribbons in a wide range with a high accuracy. In the observation method in accordance with the present invention, while the optical fibers to be fusion-spliced together are disposed on a predetermined reference surface such that their end faces butt each other, at least a pair of cameras are independently or synchronously moved along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers so as to change the shooting areas of the respective cameras, thereby realizing the collective observation or local observation of the observation area. The observation apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a driving system for moving the pair of cameras along a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The device comprises a central spicing body serving to connect in situ two cable end plugs which fit into the splicing body. The central body has lower rails hollowed out therein and bears lateral shoulders for guiding and locking the end plugs constituted by a lower part and by an upper part fixed to one another by a press fit. The device has application in the in situ splicing of optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a housing (4) retaining a ferrule assembly (1). The ferrule assembly (1) comprises a generally tubular rear portion defining a rear passage (11) along a longitudinal axis (20) of the ferrule assembly (1). A clamping insert (12) and a sleeve (13) are disposed within the rear passage (11). The sleeve (13) telescopically receives the insert (12) and exerts a radial force on the clamping insert (12) to align and retain a terminating fiber.

Abstract: A device for collective optical coupling between a single-mode fiber bundle and an electronic module in the optical telecommunications field which includes joining the single-mode fiber bundle to a graded-index fiber bundle and fracturing the fibers of the graded-index fiber bundle so as to produce graded-index fiber sections in order to form a lens at each end of the single-mode fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprising a base and a lid member constituting an element having a doubly split structure which forms a roughly rod-like shape when united, and a spring for housing the base and lid member and applying pressure for pressing them together, wherein centering grooves for positioning and centering optical fibers for adjoinment and connection are provided in at least one or between the opposing faces of the base and lid member which are put together. In a mode wherein the element is inserted into a C-shaped spring having a rod shape with a C-shaped cross section, the optical fibers which are inserted from both ends of the element are pushed to the centering groove and adjoined into connection. By inserting or withdrawing wedges into wedge insertion grooves formed between the base and the lid member, it is possible to open or close the element.

Abstract: A splicing connector and an associated splice mechanism are provided to splice first and second pluralities of optical fibers without buckling the optical fibers. The connector includes a housing and a retainer disposed of at least partially within the housing which defines a channel through which a plurality of optical fibers extend. The connector also includes a clip for securing the optical fibers within the retainer such that the end portions of the optical fibers are exposed through the forward end of the housing in preparation for splicing the optical fibers. Further, the connector includes a spring for urging the retainer and the optical fibers secured within the retainer toward the forward end of the housing, thereby permitting the optical fibers to be spliced without buckling the optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a waveguide connector assembly for the precision interconnection of mating arrays of parallel optical waveguides which are preferably photolithographically formed on substrates. The connector assembly has a base with several parallel channel walls cut along a surface of the base. A waveguide assembly is positioned on the base. The waveguide assembly comprises a substrate and several transparent, polymeric waveguides on and raised from a surface of the substrate. The waveguides have a polygonal cross section with flat edges. The waveguide assembly is positioned on the base such that each of the waveguides is set in one of the channels and contacts the walls of the channel at two or more points. A cover plate holds the waveguide assembly on the base.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a core, a cladding layer, a buffer layer, and a midsection for forming a hermetic seal to the fiber. First and second sections of a length of the optical fiber are separated by the midsection that includes a jacket hermetically sealed to the fiber, the jacket having a hermetically sealable outer surface. First and second stress relief joints are formed between the jacket and the buffer layers of the first and second sections of the length of the fiber. A method is disclosed for fabricating the optical fiber having a hermetically sealable section.

Abstract: A splicing device for welding optical fibers in or close to optical components, in particular optical fiber plug connectors, comprises a first receptacle for the optical component and the associated first optical fiber, an axial adjustable second receptacle for the second optical fiber, an optical device for observing the optical fiber ends to be welded, and two electrodes arranged at a distance from each other, with the first receptacle being mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis that is aligned parallel to an axial direction in such a way that the end of the first optical fiber that is located in or close to the optical component can be pivoted in between the two electrodes.

Abstract: Productivity of switching optical connections is improved significantly with the mechanical splice presented. A single fiber cable or a fiber tape, with the bare fiber exposed at the tip, is inserted from the terminal ends of an aligner element, and are clamped between a lid and a base member of the aligner element, A U-shaped spring clamp is coupled to the aligner element to secure the cables clamped in the aligner element. After the aligner element is closed and coupled into the spring clamp, wedge insertion openings provided in the front face of the aligner element enable to lift the lid member from the base member sufficiently to enable removal of one or both of the cables. The mechanical splice is constructed simply and ruggedly so that cables can be connected or disconnected manually by coupling the aligner element into or decoupling from the spring clamp.

Abstract: A method for connectorizing fiber optic cables includes arranging a plurality of connectorized optical fiber jumpers having first and second opposed ends, such that the first end of each jumper is in parallel alignment with respect to the first end of each other jumper. Each of the second ends of the jumpers have a fiber optic connector disposed thereon. The first ends of the jumpers are then spliced onto a corresponding plurality of first ends of optical fibers of a fiber optic cable. Each of the first ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable are also arranged in parallel alignment with respect to each other optical fiber so that the first ends of the optical fiber jumpers are axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship with the corresponding first ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. A jumper insert which has a tapered channel and a jumper seat which has a plurality of lengthwise extending bores which are provided to assist in arranging the jumpers in parallel alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber cable connector having at least one pair of ramp projections inclined inward to engage an optical fiber cable for preventing removal of the cable from the connector by a pulling force applied to the cable.

Abstract: A device for assembling ends of optical fibers into a sheet. Each of the ends is stripped of any resilient coating and has a flat terminal face. A grooved substrate is supported on a cradle means. An adhesive dispensing means deposites adhesive into the grooves. A gripping means grips the optical fibers to form the ends into a sheet and positions each of the optical fibers into the grooves of the substrate. A portion of each of the optical fibers, including the ends, extends beyond an edge of the substrate. A means holds a plate, having a flat surface, against the substrate where the plate covers the grooves to hold the optical fibers in the grooves and where the plate bonds to the substrate. The flat surface extends beyond the edge of the substrate to cover the portion of each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of connecting arrays of optical wavepaths is described employing externally located connector pads. After optically aligning the arrays to be connected, the connector pads are bonded to the arrays and then to each other. In the preferred embodiments, the pads, which typically are thin silicon wafers, and the arrays are metalized and then soldered together. The use of connector pads to connect arrays of optical transmission paths results in sturdy, stable connections. The technique is fast, simple and inexpensive, and is consistent with current alignment procedures. By using solder to secure the pads to the arrays and to each other, connections can be undone and then redone. Inasmuch as all connections are external to the optical paths, there is no deterioration of the optical connections with time.

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: A fiber splicing assembly for making butt splices between fiber ends has a horizontal plate member having at least one groove therein containing a pair of fiber guiding rods, adjacent opposite ends of the groove are first and second ramp members which slope toward the guide rods at an angle to the plane of the plate member. Each ramp member has fiber holder guiding means thereon to guide a fiber within a holder toward and in to the V-groove formed by the guide rods. Magnetic means maintain the rods in a relatively fixed position, and the slope of the ramps is such that the bend created in the fiber tends to create a downward force on the fiber, forcing it into the V-groove.The diameter of each of the guide rods is such that the fiber is guided into the V-groove despite undesirable bends in the free end of the fiber.

Abstract: In the determination of the angular rotational position of an axial asymmetry, such as of optically inhomogeneous regions, in an optically transparent body, e.g. stress concentration zones of optical PM-fibers, where the body is located in arbitrary angular start positions, the body is illuminated during rotations thereof to different angular positions around its longitudinal axis. For different angular positions the difference is then determined between light, which has passed through the fiber end and in its position corresponds to the central part of the fiber, and light, which has passed through the fiber end and in its position corresponds to the region of the fiber located immediately outside the central part. These differences, considered as a function of the rotation angle, constitute a curve having a shape typical of the considered body.

Abstract: An optical component welding apparatus for welding together first and second optical components each having an optical axis and a contact surface. The apparatus includes an X--Y stage for fixing the first optical component and aligning the optical axis of the first optical component in an X-axis and Y-axis direction. A fixing disk has a plurality of apertures extending radially and intersecting one another at a center of the fixing disk with respect to the radial direction, and includes a clamp for fixing the second optical component in the center of the fixing disk with respect to the axial and radial directions thereof such that the contact surface of the second optical component faces the contact surface of the first optical component.

Abstract: A sleeve for protecting and reinforcing a fusion splice of two or more optical fibers. The fusion splice protector includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve adapted to surround the fusion splice and adjacent portions of the fused optical fibers, a stress-relieving support element adjacent the fusion splice, and a hot-melt adhesive contained within the sleeve for retaining the support element adjacent a longitudinal section of the sleeve. The support element is designed to impart varying elasticity along a length of the sleeve such that the fusion splice protector is more rigid at the central portion of the sleeve member than at its ends. This may advantageously be achieved by providing a support element having a cross-sectional profile which varies along the length of the sleeve. The support element is preferably constructed of a polymer or polymer blend, most preferably one having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A structurally improved rail-type device for mechanically splicing optical fibers while reducing the splicing loss is disclosed. The above splicing device not only has a cladding clamp with a seesaw structure thereby easily splicing the optical fibers, it also separately moves the covers relative to the body to easily perform the tuning operation. Due to coating clamp's protrusions and body's slots engaging with each other, the coating clamp exclusively vertically move relative to the body and prevent the optical fibers from being axially thrust. The splicing device further seperately clamps the coating and cladding parts of the optical fibers, thereby preventing the spliced fibers from breaking due to tensile or torsional force. The sliding motion of the covers relative to the body is achieved by the rails of the covers and rail grooves of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for identifying and splicing at least one multicore optical fiber and including both a system for displaying each multicore fiber and a fiber splicing system. According to the invention at least one ring for surrounding each multicore fiber to be spliced has an outside envelope that is homothetic (geometrically similar) in shape to the outer envelope of each multicore optical fiber, with the outer outside envelope of each ring being designed to be marked as a function of analysis of the image of each multicore fiber as obtained by means of the display system.

Abstract: A method of bonding glass-based optical elements comprising the steps of positioning a first glass-based optical element relative to a second glass-based optical element, applying a glass-based bonding compound about the first and second optical elements, and applying sufficient localized heat to the glass-based bonding compound to cause the glass-based bonding compound to soften and fuse with the optical elements.

Abstract: In the case of fixing an optical fiber array to a substrate, wherein the optical fiber includes a V-groove substrate having at least one V-groove used for arranging an optical fiber, a fix substrate for fixing the optical fiber in the V-groove, and a pair of guide grooves arranged at both ends of the V-groove through which a guide pin used for a connection is arranged, the guide pin is arranged in the guide groove and the optical fiber array is fixed to the substrate under such a condition that one point of the guide pin is brought into contact with the substrate.

Abstract: For improving mechanical characteristics of an aged optical glass fiber, the segment is retained between clamps, e.g. in a conventional splicing machine. Then the segment is heated to a high temperature in the vicinity of the softening temperature or melt temperature of the glass material of the fiber by means of an infrared light beam from a carbon dioxide laser or by an electric arc generated between the welding electrodes. In particular, the tensile strength is increased considerably by this procedure, what allows that the heated segment can be handled and exposed to the operative steps required for splicing the fiber to another optical fiber. Then also old fibers arranged in the ground can be repaired and spliced, and it is not necessary to replace whole lengths of old fibers.

Abstract: In splicing two optical fibers in the common way, the end surfaces of the fibers are placed opposite each other and then the fiber ends are melt-fusioned using an electric arc generated between two electrodes. In order to obtain a predetermined lateral displacement of the outer surfaces of the fibers, the fiber ends are placed in positions with a displacement exceeding the desired displacement before the fusion melting. During fusion welding, an electric current of a large intensity is passed between the electrodes, and the first-set lateral displacement will decrease due to surface tension. After the fusion melting, the electric arc is continued at a reduced intensity which also produces a lower temperature in the region at the splice of the fiber ends. At this stage, the outer surfaces of the fiber ends are observed, which then become more and more aligned with each other (that is, the lateral displacement decreases) due to the surface tension.

Abstract: The disclosed method of fusion splicing silica-based optical fiber comprises removing of the polymer coating from the end portions of the respective fibers by contacting the end portions with a chemical polymer remover (e.q., hot sulfuric acid with 5% nitric acid) such that a film of material that comprises the remover remains on the stripped fiber. Typically this is accomplished by refraining from the conventional rinsing of the stripped fiber portions. The film-covered stripped fibers are then fusion spliced in conventional fashion. Splices of strength close to the strength of as-drawn fiber were obtained by this method.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector and method for connecting composite materials within which optical fibers are imbedded. The fiber optic connector includes a capillary tube for receiving optical fibers at opposing ends. The method involves inserting a first optical fiber into the capillary tube and imbedding the unit in the end of a softened composite material. The capillary tube is injected with a coupling medium which subsequently solidifies. The composite material is machined to a desired configuration. An external optical fiber is then inserted into the capillary tube after fluidizing the coupling medium, whereby the optical fibers are coupled.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of providing a fiber optic signal splitter for receiving an incoming fiber optic signal and for splitting the signal into a first plurality of signals, fiber optic splicing apparatus for splicing the first plurality of fiber optic signals to fiber optic splitter apparatus which splits the first plurality of signals into a second plurality of signals greater in number than the first plurality of signals. Combination fiber optic splice tray for splicing an incoming optical fiber to apparatus for splitting optical fiber signals received over the incoming optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic dome closure has a body with a closed end and an open end, a tubular base releasably secured to the open end, a strain relief member attached to the base, having cable ports therein, and several fiber optic storage trays supported in the body. The trays include a transition tray which receives excess fiber slack, and two or more splice trays hingedly attached at a common end to either the transition tray or to another splice tray. The transition and splice trays being generally flat and lying stacked in a storage position. The splice trays can be inclined without kinking the fibers routed around that end, and the hinges have features formed integrally therewith which releasably secure the tray in the inclined, access position. A split tube for routing fiber from the transition tray to either of the splice trays, or between the splice trays, has a releasable seal along a longitudinal seam to allow the fibers to the secured therein quickly, without threading.

Abstract: A method resulting in a package for a fiber optic component includes positioning the fiber optic component within a primary protective body. A flat wrappable secondary protective material having an adhesive on one side thereof is then wrapped around the primary protective body a plurality of times. The flat wrappable secondary protective material may be marked prior to wrapping the primary protective body. The adhesive on the flat wrappable secondary protective material may include a pressure sensitive adhesive allowing the primary protective body to be unwrapped.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler in which portions in the lengthwise direction of a plurality of optical fibers whose surface is coated with a carbon film are welded to each other and extended to form a connected portion, and the connected portion is not coated with a carbon film. This coupler is manufactured by arranging in parallel a plurality of optical fibers whose surface is coated with a carbon film so that the portions which are to form a connected portion are brought into contact with each other, and by heating the portions which are to form a connected portion in an atmosphere containing oxygen to join these portions by welding while extending the optical fibers. This optical fiber coupler has high hydrogen resistance and static fatigue strength. Also, the use of this coupler provides a small-sized system as a whole without degrading the optical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of bonding glass-based optical elements comprising the steps of positioning a first glass-based optical element relative to a second glass-based optical element, applying a glass-based bonding compound about the first and second optical elements, and applying sufficient localized heat to the glass-based bonding compound to cause the glass-based bonding compound to soften and fuse with the optical elements.

Abstract: Rotary mechanical splices between axially aligned optic fibers are seated in axial confinement within bays indented into the shock absorbing body of a holding tray. A retention lid, positioned on the tray covers the splice seating bays and guide slots extending therefrom within which the optic fibers are received to provide cushioned confinement for the splices and resist relative bending of the fibers.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical waveguide module in which, under the high temperature and high humidity, degradation of characteristics does not occur and which has strength to the oscillation, simple structure, and high reliability. A module unit 30 is formed by bonding a connector 32 provided at one end of a single-optical fiber cable 22 and a connector 31 provided at one end of a ribbon optical fiber cable 21 at both ends of a waveguide substrate 35 having a 1.times.4 branch optical waveguide by an adhesive having light transmission properties. The module unit 30 is provided in a housing 10, and at least a connecting portion between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber cable is covered with the resin contained in the housing 10. The housing 10 is sealed with a cover unit 15, and the single-optical fiber cable 22 and the ribbon optical fiber cable 21 are tightly inserted into a respective hole at end walls of the housing 10 and led out to the outside.

Abstract: A surface lighting device receiving incident rays through two opposing faces of a light guide from light source to emit the incident rays from a face different from the two faces. The light guide is divided into plural divisions which are jointed together.

Abstract: A method of preparing a subassembly for connecting an integrated optical device (21) to an optical cable:a multiferrule is used having internal passages (2) opening onto its opposite first and second faces (6, 7),an intermediate optical cable is used,the intermediate fibers (27) are inserted into the passages (2) through the first face (6),the fibers (27) are fixed in the passages (2) over part of their length,the multiferrule and the fixed fibers (27) are cut to obtain a multiferrule section (34) in which the fibers are partly fixed,the fixed fibers (27) in the section (34) are connected to the device (21),the fibers (27) are cut near the second face (7) and removed to leave the passages (2) partially empty to produce the connection subassembly (36).

Abstract: The present relates to the protective structure for an optical fiber coupler made from bare fiber parts of a plurality of optical fibers therein, the bare fiber parts being formed by removing the coating of the plurality of optical fibers and comprises a case made of material having a coefficient of thermal expansion equivalent to optical fibers and having space for enclosing the optical fiber coupler, and fiber supporting portions, being arranged inside of the space of the case and being fused with the bare fiber parts.