Abstract: A system and method are presented for fusion-splicing a first optical transmission member to a second optical transmission member with a heat source, the first and second optical transmission members each having a retaining member surface configured to form a continuous joint joining the first and second optical transmission members. The method includes disposing the first optical transmission member in a first retaining member and disposing the second optical transmission member in a second retaining member. First and second retaining members are composed of similar or like materials. Corresponding optical surfaces of the first and second optical transmission members are aligned along one axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact fusion welding apparatus for optical fibers which has simple construction and which can stabilize discharges of discharge electrodes. Tip ends of a pair of the discharge electrodes (discharge forming ends) (5) are arranged so as to oppose each other via a space. Between tip ends of the discharge electrodes (1), connection end faces of a pair of optical fibers (2) are arranged so that the connection end faces thereof are opposed to each other and the connection end faces of the optical fibers (2) are fusion welded by discharge heat from the discharge electrodes (1). Dielectric bodies (4) are provided along the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrodes (1) in a form so as to sandwich the discharge electrodes (1) from both sides thereof.

Abstract: An optical waveguide member is inserted into a tubular member. The tubular member is elongated with heating and fusion-bonded to the optical waveguide member. Thus, a formed body is obtained. The formed body is cut into a predetermined length to obtain an optical waveguide member. The tubular member is preferably made of a crystallized glass with crystals deposited therein at least in the state of the formed body.

Abstract: A low-cost approach is provided for forming a low splice loss, low back reflection loss and mechanically robust angle-fusion splice between a standard silica fiber and a low-temperature non-silica glass fiber. This is accomplished by angle cleaving the silica fiber, square cleaving the non-silica fiber and then asymmetrically heating the fibers to form an angle fusion splice. A matched angle at the end of the non-silica fiber is generated in situ during the splicing process. The tip of the angle-cleaved silica fiber may be polished flat back to the edge of the core to reduce the range of motion of the non-silica fiber during splicing thereby further reducing splice loss and enhancing the mechanical strength of the joint.

Abstract: In a method for molding an optical fiber fusion spliced portion, a mold coating is formed on a bare fiber portion of a fusion spliced portion of the optical fibers, using a resin compound having the characteristics where in a cured state, the tensile elongation is 70% or more and the tensile strength is 20MPa or more.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus for electrodes includes a supporting container provided with a replaceable brush body; and a rotation mechanism for the rotation of the supporting container. The brush body accepts the insertion of the electrodes and cleans the tip end thereof by rotation.

Abstract: An add/drop filter for optical wave energy incorporates a Bragg grating in a very narrow waist region defined by merged lengths of elongated optical fibers. Light is propagated into the waist region via adiabatically tapered fibers and is transformed from two longitudinally adjacent fibers into two orthogonal modes within the air-glass waveguide of the waist and reflected off the grating from one fiber into the other. The geometry of the waist region is such that the reflected drop wavelength is polarization independent, without lossy peaks in the wavelength band of interest. Additionally, back reflection are shifted out of the wavelength band of interest. High strength gratings are written by photosensitizing the waist region fibers by constantly in-diffusing pressurized hydrogen or deuterium. For narrow spectral bandwidth gratings, dimensional variations must be minimized or compensated, and the grating is apodized by both a.c. and d.c. variations in writing beams at a net constant power.

Abstract: A tap monitor including provisions to accommodate misalignment is disclosed. The tap monitor includes an optical coupler tuned to a desired optical splitting ratio. The light output of one of the output fibers or legs is directed to a sensor. The sensor resides in a hole in the substrate and is configured to absorb substantially all of the optical energy regardless of the precise alignment between the sensor and the fiber. Also disclosed are multiple tap monitors disposed in an array.

Abstract: An optical attenuator and a method of making an optical attenuator is disclosed. The method begins by arranging a first end of a first optical fiber and a second end of a second optical fiber so that they face one another in close proximity. The first and second ends of the optical fibers are then laterally offset from one another and the first end of the first fiber is fused to the second end of the second fiber to create a fusion splice. Next, the attenuation imposed on an optical signal transmitted from the first to the second optical fiber and through the fusion splice is measured to determine an initial deviation in attenuation from a prescribed value. The fusion splice is then re-fused while exerting an axially directed force on the first and second ends of the optical fiber. The measurement step is repeated to determine a subsequent deviation in attenuation from the prescribed value and the re-fusion step is repeated to reduce the subsequent deviation in attenuation.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for splicing together first and second optical fibers. A thermal treatment station is described, having a chassis, a fiber holding block for holding a pair of optical fibers that have been spliced together at a splice point, the fiber holding block including a cutaway portion exposing the splice point, and a torch, the fiber holding block and the torch being mounted to the chassis such that the positions of the splice point and the torch can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the splice point lies in the flame. A technique for splicing together two optical fibers is further described, in which the optical fibers are first spliced together using a fusion splicer and then thermally treated by positioning the splice point in a flame while monitoring splice loss.

Abstract: An optical splice joint and splicing process are provided for joining an end portion of a microstructured optical fiber having a microstructure formed from an array of holes, and a conventional optical fiber. The optical splice joint is formed from a fused portion of opposing end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and optical fiber, wherein the microstructured optical fiber is surrounded by a jacket that is at least 1.6 times thicker along its radius than the microstructure, and has a tensile strength of at least 30 Kpsi with an optical loss of less than 0.30 dB, and relatively little shrinkage (i.e., about 30%) of the holes forming the microstructure. The splice joint is formed by aligning end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and the optical fiber, in a fusion splicer, and applying fusion heat to the fiber ends in a two step process with a low current arc that is offset with respect to the end of the microstructured optical fiber.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion compensator corrects polarization mode dispersion in an optical signal having a fast polarization mode component, a slow polarization mode component and a time differential between the components. The compensator includes a phase shifter and a variable delay section. An input of the phase shifter is coupled to an optical device that provides an optical signal that exhibits polarization mode dispersion. The phase shifter functions to rotate the optical signal principal states of polarization to a desired orientation. The variable delay section includes an input, an output and at least one optical fiber delay line. The input of the variable delay section is coupled to the output of the phase shifter and the desired orientation of the optical signal principal states of polarization are substantially rotated to be in alignment with one of a fast axis and a slow axis of each of the one or more fiber delay lines.

Abstract: Two optical fibers to be spliced are prepared, coatings of resin are removed from end portions of the respective optical fibers to expose glass fibers, the glass fibers are aligned to each other, an a fusion step is carried out to heat the end faces of the glass fibers to cause fusion thereof to form a fusion-spliced portion. After that, an additive-diffusing step is carried out to diffuse an additive added in the glass fibers around the fusion-spiced portion, by a heat treatment around the fusion-spliced portion, by a heat treatment around the fusion-spliced portion at a first temperature of not less than 800° C. nor more than 1500° C. Further after the additive-diffusing step, a thermal-strain-removing step is carried out to remove thermal strain by a heat treatment of a wider region than heated regions in the fusion splice step and in the additive-diffusing step of the fusion-spliced portion, at a temperature of not less than 500° C. nor more than 1200° C.

Abstract: A method of making a microlensed fiber by splicing a doped silica rod to an optical fiber and shaping the end of the doped silica rod into a plano-convex refracting lens. The doped silica rod has a lower melting point and annealing point than undoped silica, and therefor less power is required to manufacture the microlensed fiber. This decreases wear to the heating elements of the manufacturing equipment and therefor increases the number of microlensed fibers that can be manufactured between cycles. A further aspect of the present invention is a microlensed fiber made by the above process.

Abstract: Asymmetric grating assisted couplers present unique problems if dispersion is to be reduced to levels at which high data rate signals can be transmitted. To overcome these problems, the method of the present invention includes precisely controlling and monitoring the cross-sectional geometry of the coupler during stretching and fusing. By monitoring states of polarization in lowest order modes as the coupler is formed, coupler fusion can be terminated when optimum form birefringence minimizing PMD is achieved. Dispersion is further minimized by impressing a saturated index of refraction grating with substantially flat add/drop characteristics in the coupler, and introducing a controlled amount of twist.

Abstract: An optical transmission line with reduced splice loss, and methods for fabricating an optical transmission line with reduced splice loss, are described. In one described method, a length of dispersion-compensating fiber, or other suitable first transmission fiber, is spliced to a first end of a length of a bridge fiber. The splice is heated to a maximum temperature to cause a measurable reduction in splice loss. The temperature of the splice is then ramped down to room temperature, such that the reduction in splice loss is maintained. A second end of the bridge fiber is then spliced to a length of a second transmission fiber. Further described is a technique for determining the maximum temperature for heating the splice between the first transmission fiber and the bridge fiber.

Abstract: A bridge fiber and a method of connecting two other dissimilar optical waveguide fibers is presented. The bridge fiber may be utilized to connect positive dispersion fibers or step index single mode fibers to compensative fibers, such as dispersion compensation fibers or dispersion-slope compensation fibers.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composite optical waveguide fiber. The composite optical waveguide fiber includes a first optical waveguide fiber. The first optical waveguide fiber has a first diameter and a first outermost layer having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The composite optical waveguide fiber further includes a second optical waveguide fiber coupled to the first optical waveguide fiber. The second optical waveguide fiber has a second diameter and a second outermost layer, the second outermost layer having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. Wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion. Wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

Abstract: A vicinity of the fusion spliced portion of optical fibers is mounted on a heating board, after the dissimilar optical fibers having the different mode field diameters are fusion spliced. The vicinity of the fusion spliced portion of the optical fibers is then heated by a heat source via the heating board.

Abstract: A low-cost approach provides a low loss and mechanically robust fusion splice between a standard silica fiber and a low-temperature multi-component glass fiber. An asymmetric heating configuration creates a temperature gradient between the silica and multi-component glass fibers that enhances diffusion, hence bond strength. The multi-component glass fiber may also be drawn with an outer cladding of a different multi-component glass. The outer cladding is selected so that it is thermally compatible with the multi-component glass used for the core and inner cladding and compatible with forming even stronger thermal diffusion bonds with the silica fiber.

Abstract: In many optics applications, it is desirable to retard the polarization of a light wave, i.e., to change the polarization state of a light wave. In a method for retarding polarization of a light wave, a first linear polarization-maintaining fiber having a first beat length is spliced to a second polarization-maintaining fiber having a high birefringence and a second beat length. The second fiber is then cleaved to a length which is a fraction of the second beat length. The first fiber and the second fiber may be secured in a removable or permanent capillary. A light wave is transmitted into the first fiber and the polarization state of the light wave is determined. To adjust the polarization state, the second fiber may be lapped against an abrasive substance. The second fiber may be repeatedly lapped until a desired polarization state is achieved.

Abstract: In a fusion splicing method and device for optical fibers, bare fibers (f) of ribbon optical fibers “F” to be spliced together are arranged, in opposite direction to each other, on a fiber setup stage (30). An interval of a pair of the discharge electrode rods (10,20) is optionally changed according to the fiber number of the bare fibers “f” of the ribbon optical fiber “F” so that all of the bare fibers “f” are set into a uniform temperature area in a discharge area, and an optimum fusion splicing process is performed according to the fiber number of the bare fibers “f”.

Abstract: A leading fiber penetrates through a holding element and is optically coupled to an optical element placed in a package. An external cord fiber longer than the leading fiber passes a through hole of a glass sleeve and is connected to the leading fiber to form an optical fiber composed of the leading fiber and the external cord fiber. The holding element is inserted into the glass sleeve to place a fusion-spliced portion between the leading fiber and the external cord fiber in the through hole of the glass sleeve. UV hardening resin hardened by receiving ultraviolet rays is packed and hardened in the through hole of the glass sleeve to cover the fusion-spliced portion with the UV hardening resin and the glass sleeve.

Abstract: A method for splicing optical fibers is disclosed. The fibers are held by ferrules with a softening temperature at least 30° C. below that of the lower of the glass transition temperatures of the fibers. The ends of the fibers are actively aligned and brought into contact, then energy is applied to fuse the ferrules together, maintaining the alignment of the ends of the fibers. The ferrules may be a low-melting inorganic glass, such as a lead bismuth borosilicate glass. The method and ferrules of the present invention are especially useful in splicing fibers of dissimilar thermomechanical properties.

Abstract: A fusion splice including a first optical fiber having a first MFD and a first MFD expansion rate. The splice further includes a second fiber having a second MFD and a second MFD expansion rate, wherein the second MFD is lower than the first MFD. The second fiber comprises a core, a cladding radially surrounding the core, and a zone of high-concentration of fluorine between the core and the cladding. The rate of MFD expansion of the first fiber is less than the rate of MFD expansion of the second fiber during the fusion splicing operation.

Abstract: There are provided an optical fiber having a light focusing function and capable of setting the distance WD to the beam waist position and the beam waist diameter &ohgr; independently, and a method of manufacturing the optical fiber efficiently and at high accuracy. An end surface of a single mode optical fiber is connected to one end surface of a very short piece of spacer constituted of an optical fiber the diameter of which is identical to that of the single mode optical fiber and the refractive index of which is uniform. The other end surface of the spacer is connected to one end surface of a very short piece of graded index optical fiber the diameter of which is identical to that of the single mode optical fiber and the refractive index of which varies continuously in the direction of its diameter.

Abstract: The connecting method of different kind optical fibers of the present invention is a connecting method able to improve the strength of connecting portions of the different kind optical fibers of different mode field diameters. In this connecting method, connecting ends of the different kind optical fibers removing their coating therefrom are mutually butted and fusion-spliced by gripping the coating in a step (S4). Next, the mode field diameters of different kind optical fiber connecting portions are conformed to each other by the heat treatment of a step (S5). This heat treatment is taken within a low dust space having a clean degree of 1000 or less in class. Thus, the heat treatment is taken under an environment in which foreign matters floated around the connecting portions of the different kind optical fibers are very small. Therefore, it is possible to restrain a crack from being caused by burning the foreign matters into the connecting portions.

Abstract: Provided are connection methods and a heat treatment apparatus to be used in the method capable of readily applying heat treatment to a fusion-spliced portion of a connection line which is formed by fusion-splicing optical fibers of different kinds and capable of finishing the heat treatment with no excess or insufficiency.

Abstract: A dual-clad fiber laser employs a multi-mode pump fiber array for introducing pump light into a dual-clad fiber array along the length of the array. Each fiber in the dual-clad fiber array includes a single mode core, a multi-mode inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer. Each fiber in the multi-mode fiber array includes a multimode core and an outer cladding layer. The inner cladding layer and the core are the same material and the outer cladding layers are the same material. The dual-clad fiber array is a fiber ribbon wound on a bobbin. The multi-mode pump fiber array is a fiber ribbon that is wrapped around the outside of the dual-clad fiber ribbon on the bobbin. A doped silica frit is placed between the fiber ribbons, where the dopant makes the frit have an index of refraction greater than the index of refraction of the outer layers.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for reducing splice loss in an optical fiber transmission line. One described technique includes splicing together at a splice point a first fiber having a first modefield diameter to a second fiber having a second modefield diameter larger than the first modefield diameter. The splice point is heated to a core expansion temperature to cause a controlled thermal diffusion of core dopant in the first fiber in order to reduce modefield mismatch between the first and second fibers. Splice loss is then reduced by heating the splice point to a differential diffusion temperature to cause a controlled diffusion of a cladding dopant in the first fiber, while maintaining the expanded core.

Abstract: In a fusion splicing method and device for ribbon optical fibers, bare fibers (f) of the ribbon optical fibers are arranged, in opposite direction to each other, on a fiber setup stage (10) having V-grooves. A discharge occurs between the discharge electrode rods (21,22). In order to set all of the bare fibers “f” into a uniform temperature area in a discharge area, a wide and length of the uniform temperature area is extended by applying to the discharge area an electric field generated by applying a desired voltage to fiber clamps (31) made up of a conductive material. Thereby, a good fusing and splicing process is performed by supplying a uniform amount of heat to all of the bare fibers “f”. Further, the above process is also performed while a desired voltage is applied to a conductive plate arranged under the fiber setup stage (10).

Abstract: The present invention is provided for fusion splicing optical fibers with low splice loss even when a shape of a discharge beam for the splicing is distorted. In the present invention, a preliminary discharge is performed with the optical fibers outside a discharge area and an image of the discharge beam thereof is picked up. Based on this image, brightness distributions of the discharge beam are estimated on a plurality of lines in a Z direction that are set in different positions in an X direction, and a discharge center of the beam is found from the plurality of brightness distributions. Then, the abutment portion of the optical fibers is positioned at the discharge center, and a main discharge is performed so as to fusion splice the distal ends of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A fusion splicer and fusion splicing method for optical fibers is disclosed including a TV camera 32 which obtains transmitted light images passing through side areas of respective optical fibers 10, 20, an image processing unit 33 which calculates mode field diameters of the respective optical fibers from brightness distributions of the images in terms of directions traverse to the optical fibers to calculate a diametric difference between the mode field diameters, a movable base 57 to move abutted portions between the optical fibers relative to an electric discharge beam position, a drive unit 35 which implements additional electric discharge heating after applying electric discharge fusion splicing heating to the abutted portions while moving the electric discharge beam position toward one of the optical fibers, of which mode field diameter is regarded to be small, and a control unit 34 which controls an electric discharge power supply 36.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing method is provided for largely reducing an optical loss in a splice and eliminating a varying outer diameter and bending deformation. This splicing method splices opposing end faces of two optical fibers by fusion, and heats a formed fusion splice to match mode field diameters of the two optical fibers in the fusion splice, wherein the two optical fibers are fixed with an axial tension applied or not applied to the fusion splice, after the formation of the fusion splice, before the fusion splice is heated.

Abstract: A manufacture includes a first optical fiber and a plurality of second optical fibers. The second optical fibers have cross sections with aspect ratios of two or more. Distal sections of the fibers form a bonded structure. In the bonded structure, each distal section is bonded along a length of another one of the distal sections and along a section of the first optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing method capable of fully reducing the splice loss at room temperature is provided. In the optical fiber splicing method in accordance with the present invention, respective end faces of optical fibers are fused together in a splicing step (S101). In a condition setting step (S102), a set value &agr;0 is set. Thereafter, a heating step (S103), a measuring step (S104), and a termination determining step (S105) are carried out repeatedly. In the heating step, a region including the fusion-spliced point is heated under a predetermined heating condition. In the measuring step, splice loss is measured. In the termination determining step, the splice loss &agr;n measured in the measuring step and the set value &agr;0 set in the condition setting step are compared with each other in terms of magnitude.

Abstract: An automated fusion system includes a draw assembly for holding optical fibers and for applying a tension to the fibers. The fibers are held substantially parallel to each other in the draw assembly. The system also includes a removal station that etches or strips buffer material from the fibers after the fibers have been placed in the draw assembly, and a heater or torch assembly for heating the fibers as the draw assembly applies a tension to the fibers in a manner that causes the fibers to fuse together to form a coupler region. In addition, a packaging station is used to secure a substrate to the coupler region of the fibers to form the optical coupler.

Abstract: An object is to provide an optical fiber fusion splicing method in which splice loss can be reduced, and also to provide an arc-heating unit used for heating the fusion spliced part of an optical fiber. The method comprises a process of fusion-splicing together the end faces of two optical fibers and a process of continuously heating the fusion spliced part by arc while moving one pair of electrodes provided opposite to each other across the fusion spliced part. The arc heating process is performed with the operation for decreasing arc temperature.

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical fiber splicing machine utilizes a power control mode to control the amount of power delivered to fuse the fibers. In the power control mode, the attenuation is measured while the fusing process is occurring. The power control mode shuts down the splicer when the measured insertion loss is less than or equal to the target insertion loss value plus a margin value. The margin value accounts for the transient attenuation difference value indicative of the changing attenuation as the splice cools. If the desired attenuation is not achieved, an energy control mode is utilized which controls the amount of energy delivered to fuse the fibers. After delivering this energy, the method measures the attenuation. If not within desired values, the energy mode is repeated. At each iteration the splicing control function utilized by the energy control mode may be reprogrammed. With these techniques, optical fibers may be spliced having a controlled attenuation to within +/−0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening mechanism for an optical fiber fusion-splicer including two holder tables for holding two optical fibers to be fusion-spliced in an opposed relationship, a connection table disposed between the holder tables and having guide grooves into which tip end portions, from which coatings are removed, of the two optical fibers held by the holder tables are fitted, and fiber clamps adapted to press the tip end portions of the optical fibers into the guide grooves, the screening mechanism comprising a sensor capable of detecting the fact that the pressing of the tip end portions of the optical fibers effected by the fiber clamps is released, and wherein, when the releasing is detected by the sensor, one or both of the holder tables are automatically shifted in directions opposite to optical fiber abutting directions to pull the optical fibers, thereby effect screening.

Abstract: Good quality fusion splicing of optical fibers with very different melting points (even 800° C. and 1800° C.) can be achieved by heating the end (3) of the fiber of lower melting point to a substantial extent (preferably entirely) by conduction from the pre-heated end (4) of the fiber of higher melting point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersion-compensating optical fiber which can compensate for the chromatic dispersion and dispersion slope of a non-zero dispersion-shifted optical fiber by a short length. The dispersion-shifted optical fiber constitutes an optical transmission line together with a dispersion-compensating optical fiber fusion-spliced thereto. The dispersion-compensating optical fiber has, at a wavelength of 1550 nm, a chromatic dispersion DDCF of −40 ps/nm/km or less and a ratio (DDCF/SDCF) of dispersion slope SDCF to the chromatic dispersion DDCF of 0.005/nm or more.

Abstract: Each of optical fibers has a core and stress applying members disposed around the core. End portions of the optical fibers are mounted on a fusion-splicing apparatus, and aligned through the image observation from two different lateral directions of the optical fibers. Then, a distance between positions of a bright portion end and a luminance peak closest to the bright portion end is obtained on each bright portion end of a luminance distribution of the optical fiber obtained from at least one picked-up image. The optical fibers are fusion-spliced by aligning the stress applying members so that the sum of the distances is adjusted to be minimum. Alternatively, a distance between positions of the luminance peaks respectively closest to the respective bright portion ends is obtained and the optical fibers are fusion-spliced by aligning the stress applying members so that the distance is adjusted to be maximum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical fiber fusion splicer which, together with fusing and splicing optical fibers in the state in which the jacket of each optical fiber core is clamped by being provided with a means by which a V-shaped groove base is moved up and down so that the axial centers of optical fiber cores are positioned at the proper position for electrical discharge, is provided with a mechanism that temporarily moves clamp upward and V-shaped groove base downward followed by re-clamping in order to eliminate a lift-up phenomenon during rotation alignment of the constant polarization optical fibers.

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical fiber splicing machine utilizes an optimized power control mode to control the amount of power delivered to fuse the fibers. The attenuation is measured while the fusing process is occurring and a final jump value is calculated. The final jump value is indicative of the transient attenuation difference that occurs as the splice cools. The optimized power control mode shuts down the splicer when the measured insertion loss is less than or equal to the difference between the estimated final jump value and the desired attenuation. The final jump value may also be recalculated as further data are gathered during the splicing process. If the desired attenuation is not achieved, an optimized energy control mode is utilized which determines optimal energy settings and controls the amount of energy delivered to fuse the fibers. After delivering this energy, the method measures the attenuation. If not within desired values, the optimized energy mode is repeated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber transmission line having a structure offering superior connection loss characteristics at the fusion-spliced position between optical fibers. This optical fiber transmission line has at least first and second optical fibers that are fusion-spliced. Each of these first and second optical fibers has a core region doped with 10 mol % or more of Ge and has a mode field diameter with a minimum value of 7 &mgr;m or less at the wavelength of 1550 nm. The difference between the minimum mode diameter of the first optical fiber and that of the second optical fiber is 1 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A duplex fiber optic splice has a fiber-receiving element, two clamping elements covering opposite faces of the fiber-receiving element, and a spring element. A bearing key may be inserted into a bearing channel in the fiber-receiving element and rotated resulting in resilient disengagement of each of said clamping faces from said fiber-receiving element face. The resilient disengagement of the clamping elements are independent of each other. The splice assembly may be used alone or in conjunction with an array ferrule, pre-terminated with a fiber stub, and a housing to provide an adhesiveless field terminable connector.

Abstract: Splice between a first optical fiber, having a first propagation constant, and a second optical fiber, having a second propagation constant which is different from the first. The said splice comprises a coupling region between an end portion of the said first optical fiber and an end portion of the said second fiber, such that a coupling of at least 90% of the optical power in a waveband of at least 100 nm is obtained between the said first fiber and the said second fiber.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tapered fiber having a hemispheric end i.e. TH fiber, is provided. The TH fiber has high coupling efficiency and low coupling loss, while providing good reproducibility and ease of fabrication. The TH fiber is adapted for MEMS-based switch applications. Also, a method of measuring a beam profile of a fiber is provided. The beam profile measuring technique allows for easy control and manipulation of the fabrication process of the TH fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling optical components and a substrate. A glass coating is located at the inner base between the optical component and the substrate. The assembly of the component, substrate and glass coating can be used in the field of imaging and in particular for endoscopy.