Abstract: There is disclosed a coupling structure of optical fibers and optical waveguides, comprising optical fibers; an optical fiber arranging connector having a first and second members, the optical fibers being sandwiched by the first and second members to be fixed in the optical fiber arranging connector; a waveguide device having a waveguide substrate, optical waveguides being formed on a surface of the waveguide device, ends of the waveguides and ends of being aligned with each other by abutting end faces thereof against each other; an adhesive interposed and set between said end faces, the adhesive being a photo-setting adhesive, the first member being made of a material preventing light having a wavelength capable of setting said adhesive from passing therethrough, and in at least part of a region where the end faces of the optical fiber arranging connector and the waveguide device oppose to each other, at least one of the optical fiber arranging connector and the waveguide device in the vicinity of the end f

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: The present invention concerns a method for aligning fiber optics. The device used to implement the method comprises an inclined support (16) for a fiber optic (15) to be aligned with one or more fibers (11) in a flat ribbon (10), and an inclined contact element (12) supporting a gripping means (9) attached to the flat ribbon. The fiber extremities engage in V-shaped guide grooves (13) having a central alignment zone (14). Alignment occurs when the fiber to be aligned and the fibers in the flat ribbon are placed in the alignment zone by sliding each of them in one of the V-shaped grooves and inwardly curving a predetermined length thereof so that the fiber extremities are placed in immediate proximity to one another and are essentially tangential to said V-shaped groove only in the area of their extremities.

Abstract: The ends of a pair of polarization-maintaining optical fibers that each have an elliptical stress member in the cladding to produce stress induced birefringence are placed end-to-end with a predetermined gap between the ends of the fibers. The ends of the fibers are examined with an optical imaging apparatus whose focus is adjusted to locate an alignment band in each fiber. The position of one of the polarization-maintaining optical fibers is then adjusted until the two alignment bands are in longitudinal alignment. The fiber ends are pre annealed and then fused together by application of energy from an electric arc.

Abstract: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: Optical fibers typically used for data signal transmission are connected to each other in an orientation which provides self-aligning of the fiber ends. An alignment cavity is used to accept two optical fibers and guide them to a precise position with accurate alignment of the cores of the fibers. A housing unit may be employed to secure the optically aligned, joined fibers in an isolated, fixed orientation. The alignment cavity can be re-positioned automatically by the fibers entering to assure a preferred optimum alignment of the fiber ends in a vee groove internal configuration. Retaining elements are crimped to secure the fiber ends in the preferred orientation. The retaining elements may have an opening through which the optical fibers, bare or buffered may pass. Retaining elements may also capture the strength members of the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: An optical system comprising a monomode main optical fiber coupled to a phototransducer, by means of an assembly between the monomode optical fiber and the phototransducer, which assembly comprises, in succession: a piece of graded index multimode fiber, a piece of step index multimode fiber, and a microlens.

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 fiber chuck comprising a rod made of a vitreous material having a fiber groove for an optical fiber. The optical fiber lies in the fiber groove, and a clamping mechanism holds the optical fiber in place. The fiber holding chuck positions the optical fiber without damaging the fiber in order to align the fiber with another fiber. The clamping mechanism maintains the position of the aligned fiber. Preferably, the fiber chuck mounts in a chuck groove of a chuck mounting fixture. The chuck mounting fixture can attach to a fiber positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the chuck mounting fixture along with the fiber chuck and the optical fiber to align and splice two optical fibers together while reducing the risk of damage to the optical fibers.

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: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic mechanical splice having one or more grooves transverse to the groove in which the optical fibers lie to dissipate air trapped in index matching material from the junction point of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A mechanical splice according to the invention does not use any adhesive for holding the aligned fibers in position. A biasing means is employed for operating upon the gripping and alignment means to align and grip the fibers, by way of a sleeve member. The biasing means is held in a preloaded state by a closure prevention means such that the biasing means cannot act to move the gripping and alignment means into the gripping state. Thus, the mechanical splice is in a preloaded and cocked condition before insertion of the optical fibers to be aligned and mechanically spliced together. Operation of the splice is quick and simple and is performed merely by movement of the closure prevention means out of the cocked position.

Abstract: Connection of hermetic optical fibers having a hermetic layer coated on optical fiber glass prepared by positioning the optical fibers on respective electrically nonconductive V-shaped grooves, aligning cores of the optical fibers and fusing and connecting the optical fibers through an aerial discharge gives a small break strength decrease after connection without removing the hermetic layer.

Abstract: A method for fusion-forming an optical signal attenuator using a piece of optical fibre, comprising essentially the following steps:a) fusing the piece of optical fibre;b) manipulating the piece of optical fibre during fusion;c) inserting the piece of optical fibre into a mechanical adaptor for connection to two standard connectors butt-coupled respectively to the ends of two optical fibres, wherein the manipulation of the piece of optical fibre during fusion is effected by subjecting the piece of optical fibre to both axial misalignment and angular misalignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the fusion splicing of carbon coated optical fibers and to a method for providing reinforced performance of the spliced points. Concretely, carbon coated optical fibers are fusion spliced in an atmosphere containing less than 0.5 vol % of oxygen without the removal of the carbon coating. In order to minimize the amount of damage to the carbon coating resulting from the fusion, the decline in the failure probability of the optical fiber is controlled by means of applying moisture to the spliced part or by means of the adhesion of the oxidized carbon gases to the optical fiber. On the other hand, the carbon coating layer which was removed by oxidation at the time of the fusion splicing is recoated by means of a CVD reaction using a laser as a heat source. By means of this, the decline in the fatigue characteristics of the spliced part can be controlled.

Abstract: An optical fiber disposed to partially internally reflect optical energy passing therethrough is disclosed herein. The optical fiber 10 of the present invention includes an internal partial mirror disposed to partially transmit and to partially reflect optical energy incident thereon. The internal mirror is effectively realized at an interface I of first and second fiber segments 14 and 18. The first fiber segment 14 includes a first core region 22 which circumscribes a longitudinal axis X. The first core region 22 is of a first cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The inventive fiber 10 further includes a second fiber segment 18 in optical communication with the first fiber segment 14. The second fiber segment 18 includes a second core region 24 which circumscribes the longitudinal axis X, wherein the second core region 24 is of a second cross-sectional area perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing station includes a base having a vise for releasably securing a splice management device, such as a splice tray, and means for removably mounting one or more different fiber optic splicing tools. The splicing station provides a compact, portable platform which facilitates installation of the splice, particularly in difficult locations such as aerial or buried closures, and high-density environments. The base further has means for receiving an optical fiber cleaver at one of several different locations, to accommodate placement of the splicing tool, or simply for user convenience. Means may also be provided to mount the base to a splice case, tripod, or splicing rig support.

Abstract: A rotation and alignment device for assembling of an optical fiber connector with a lower connection loss. This device image-processes the distribution of optical intensity of light emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber of a ferrule and derives an optical peak intensity point of the end surface of the optical fiber such that the point is placed in a predetermined region of a rectangular coordinate system. This device comprises a rotation and marking part for controlling a rotational position of a marker with respect to the ferrule and marking the optical peak intensity point on an outer surface of the ferrule. A ferrule fixture part is coupled to the rotation and marking part and fixes the ferrule such that the outer surface of the ferrule is marked with the optical peak intensity point by the marker. A vertical supporting part supports the rotation and marking part and the ferrule fixture pat.

Abstract: A method of splicing a pair of optical fibers including, molding a base with a groove therein extending from a first inlet to a second inlet with a tapered portion at each inlet to act as a guide during the positioning of the fibers. Positioning the ends of the optical fibers in the inlets of the groove and introducing an index matching fluid into the groove. A cover having a hole therethrough may be positioned over the groove and the fluid introduced through the hole. The fluid is cured to hold the fibers fixedly in the groove and form an optical link therebetween. The cover may be molded with a perpendicular groove therein and photonic devices mounted in the cover groove.

Abstract: A fiber holding chuck comprising a silica glass rod having a fiber groove or fiber chuck for an optical fiber. The optical fiber lies in the fiber groove, and a clamping mechanism holds the optical fiber in place. The fiber holding chuck positions the optical fiber without damaging the fiber in order to align the fiber with another fiber. The clamping mechanism maintains the position of the aligned fiber. The fiber chuck mounts in a chuck groove of a chuck mounting fixture. The chuck mounting fixture attaches to a fiber positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the chuck mounting fixture along with the fiber chuck and the optical fiber to align and splice two optical fibers together while reducing the risk of damage to the optical fiber.

Abstract: To connect one ribbon-shaped optical fiber cord to an opponent ribbon-shaped optical fiber cord while making reliable optical connection therebetween, an optical fiber splicer is used. The optical fiber splicer includes as essential components an aligning member and a cover member, and the cover member is fitted into the aligning member to build an integral structure without an optical fiber using an adhesive. In practical use, after the adhesive is hardened, both the ribbon-shaped optical fiber cords are inserted into the integral structure from both sides of the optical fiber splicer so that sheathless optical fibers of both ribbon-shaped optical fiber cords are firmly received in V-shaped aligning grooves on the aligning member in a face to-face relationship.

Abstract: A fiber superfluorescent light source is disclosed which suppresses laser cillations without interfering with the pump light or the super luminescence. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fiber superfluorescent light source comprises a laser diode array for providing a pump beam at a wavelength of 0.81 microns, a first fiber doped with neodymium activator ions and being responsive to the pump beam for providing a spontaneous emission at a wavelength of 1.06 microns, and a second fiber optically coupled between the laser diode array and the first fiber for passing the pump beam therethrough to the first fiber to enable the first fiber to spontaneously emit light at the 1.06 micron wavelength and for suppressing backemissions of the 1.06 micron wavelength from the first fiber toward the laser diode array to prevent back reflection from the laser diode array and oscillations in the first fiber.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of aluminum material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line. The aluminum is anodized prior to embossing the fiber receiving grooves. The element is inserted into the slot of a splice body formed of an injection moldable material. The splice body may be reinforced by insert molding a steel tube therein, surrounding the slot.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer for storing optical fiber splices and the slack associated therewith to permit ready separation of the optical fibers, such as to remake a splice. The splice organizer includes a generally rectangular base, splice securing slots on the base, and optical fiber guides for guiding slack portions of first and second optical fiber groups from a first end of the base, along respective portions of the base adjacent the first and second sides thereof, into a plurality of overlying slack loops adjacent the second end of the base, and back to the splice securing means from respective first and second sides of the base. The slack optical fibers, including the overlying respective slack loop, of the first and second optical fiber groups, form a figure-eight pattern on the base and are thus readily separable from each other.

Abstract: A method of splicing two optical fiber cables uses a glass multi-ferrule having a series of parallel axis internal capillary channels opening onto respective end surfaces of the multi-ferrule and two exterior reference surfaces. An adhesive that is polymerized by ultraviolet light is introduced into these channels. The multi-ferrule is cut into three sections. The splicing is achieved by jointing the outermost two sections.

Abstract: In effecting an end-to-end fusion splice between two optical fibres, the optical fibres are introduced into opposite ends of two support members so that parts of the optical fibres protrude from the members. The fibres are secured in the members and the protruding parts are cut to form tails of predetermined lengths. The support members are then arranged in axial alignment and one is caused to move axially towards the other until the end faces of the protruding tails are spaced a predetermined distance apart. Fusion splicing is then effected, the support members are permanently secured together and mechanical protection for the fusion splice is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an enclosure for a butt splice of optical fibre cables which includes organizer trays for storing the excess lengths of individual optical fibers. The enclosure and trays provide for access to the individual fibers for splicing or repair.

Abstract: A self-contained unit and method for splicing together the ends of jacketed optical fibers. The unit comprises a guide to align fibers, such as a capillary tube, having opposite ends into which the ends of optical fibers to be spliced pass until they are in contact in a central portion of the guide. A heater high temperature proximal to the central portion of the guide, when activated, generates sufficient heat to fuse and splice together the contacting fiber ends. A securing means, such as spaced ferrules with a tube of ceramic material joining the ferrules, is mechanically associated with the guide to mechanically hold in position the optical fibers when spliced together. By bringing the ends of jacketed optical fibers into contact within the guide, in the vicinity of heater, and subjecting the ends to high temperature heating, the fibers are fused and spliced at their ends.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector element comprises a ferrule and an optical fiber stub secured within a through passage of the ferrule. The optical fiber stub comprises a core, an inner cladding having a diameter no more than six times the core diameter and a refractive index less than the core refractive index, and an outer cladding having a refractive index greater than the inner cladding refractive index and less than or equal to the ferrule refractive index. A length of the outer cladding is in intimate contact with the ferrule. A rearward part of the ferrule passage may have an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the fiber stub, and a plastic plug having a through passage for receiving the fiber stub may be located in the rearward part of the ferrule passage. The plastic plug has a refractive index equal to or greater than the outer cladding refractive index and less than the ferrule refractive index.

Abstract: Object--to increase versatility by way of providing for the possibility of measuring losses in any of the i-th light-guides out of an arbitrary number of lightguides spliced so as to accommodate minimal air gaps, and at the joint between the (i-1)th and ith lightguides spliced without an air gap (ith joint), which is ensured by making successive measurements of the energy of reflected pulses from the energy and total power of the components of a radiation pulse from the end faces of the last and intermediate lightguides and their spliced end faces, and measuring optical losses from methematical formulas.

Abstract: A housing for a fiber optic splice protects the splice from the external to environment. Two optical fibers may be butt-coupled in a connector, which is then coated with a hard resin material. The hard resin material is then overcoated with a resilient material to provide shock protection and strain relief. The connector may be placed in a housing, which is covered and sealed to form a water-tight seal between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: Opposed ends of optical fibers are fused within a holding member, by heating the fiber ends by means positioned in, or on, the member. A self-contained package can be provided to which an electric current is applied, or some other heating method.

Abstract: A durable, low loss splice connection for optical cables includes two ceramic optical fiber guide members which are held in axial and angular alignment by an alignment sleeve, and in butt joint intimate contact by a spring tension clip. The connection is mechanically and environmentally sealed by a heat shrink tube having an interior diameter coated with hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Substrates for supporting optical fibers in an optical coupler are made by, first, making grooves in a glass preform which are about ten times the desired size, and then using glass drawing techniques to draw from the preform a substrate of the proper size. Optical fibers are arranged in ribbon form and placed in a fixture which allows the ends to be cut and polished at the angle required for proper coupler operation. Fibers are stripped from the end of the ribbon that has been cut and polished and placed in the grooves for proper alignment with abutting fibers. The ends of the fibers that remain fixed to the ribbon prevent unwanted rotation of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making multi-ferrules. It provides a method of making multi-ferrules from a vitreous material, the multi-ferrules having a series of cylindrical channels with parallel axes.

Abstract: An optical fiber holder 10 has a base 20 which has at least one groove 24 for retaining a fiber 13, which groove 24 is optimally slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the optical fiber 13. The top of the groove 24 is slightly larger than the diameter of the fiber 13. A strand retaining plate 30 is spring biased to additonally secure the fiber 13 when the plate 30 is placed over the fiber 13. The base 20 may be securely fixed in place. To fuse two fibers 13, two optical fiber holders 10 may be placed facing each other with the end of a fiber 13 extending from each. When fusing is to be performed by laser, the pair of apparatus may be securely placed at the proper distance from the laser beam as well as at the proper distance with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical energy beam transmission path structure comprising at least one pair of optical fibers each having a connection end, and at least one fiber connector for connecting the connection ends of the paired fibers substantially coaxially. A small axial air gap is formed between the connection ends of the paired fibers, and an annular clearance is formed immediately around the connection end of the glass body of each fiber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber type coupler of the present invention by fusing and elongating a plurality of optical fibers is characterized in that a multi-wire optical fiber wire is used as the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: Two optical fiber segments are spliced in an end-to-end fashion by first axially aligning the optical fiber segments, and then fusing the optical fiber segments with a converging conical light beam convergently focused to an apex region along the optical fiber. The converging conical beam heats the optical fiber segments and the splice in a circumferentially uniform manner. The apex region at which the converging conical beam is focused can be moved progressively along the length of the optical fiber to effect the fusion, and also to directionally fire polish and stress relieve the optical fiber to minimize the presence of flaws in the optical fiber after fusion is complete. The converging conical light beam is achieved by creating a diverging conical beam using movable mirrors to deflect a collimated beam into a diverging conical beam. The diverging conical beam is reflected from a parabolic mirror to form the converging conical beam that is focused toward the optical fiber.

Abstract: A protected fiber optical splice and a method for making the protected splice. The protective structure encapsulates first and second spliced optical fibers. The fibers are preferably fusion spliced. The protective structure includes a rigid tube surrounding the splice and its adjacent regions of the spliced fibers. A plastic such as an epoxy or moldable plastic is injected into the tube between the substantially axially centered fibers and splice, and the interior wall of the tube. Two molding fixtures are preferably surrounding the two ends of the tube, for injecting the moldable plastic into the tube and for shaping the portions of the structure external to the the tube ends.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of malleable material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line, and the other surface has ramps at each end to support the fibers proximate the transition from their buffered portions to their stripped portions. The ramps are adjacent porches which are integrally formed with one of the plates, the porches having additional grooves for aligning the fibers with the fiber receiving grooves. Stop pads are provided on both opposing surfaces, at the corners of the plates, to insure a clearance space at the ends of the plates which provides for more gradual clamping of the fibers, reducing insertion loss.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a splice element having means for holding the optical fibers, a splice body having a slot containing the splice element, and extensions on either end of the splice body for supporting a portion of the fibers. Each of the extensions has an end cover positionable in open and closed positions which provides protection to the fibers against environmental influences. The end covers may advantageously include collapsible compartments filled with a sealant material whereby, when the covers are moved to the closed positions, the sealant material is channeled towards the slot containing the splice element.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a splice element having two plates with fiber receiving V-grooves formed in the inner surface of one of the plates, and a splice body having a wedge to actuate the splice element by clamping the plates together. The splice body includes a jacket and a cap, there being a slot in the jacket for receiving the splice element and a cavity adjacent the slot for receiving the wedge. The cavity has a ramped surface which causes the wedge to move toward the splice element and clamp the plates as the wedge is moved forward on the ramp surface. A tongue, formed integrally with the cap, is preferably interposed between the wedge and the splice element to prevent deformation of the plates which might result from direct contact between the plates and the wedge as it slides forward.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for precisely joining two sections of dielectric waveguides to form a waveguide joint, wherein such waveguides comprise a dielectric core, preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), one or more layers of dielectric cladding, preferably of PTFE, wrapped around the core, and one or more shielding layers wrapped around the cladding. A precise joint is provided wherein the two joined sections of waveguide are precisely oriented axially, radially and rotationally with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method of forming low loss splices between single-mode optical fiber ends involves taking prepared fiber ends and aligning the one with the other by inserting them into opposite ends of the bore of a ferrule, and fusing the fiber ends together by applying thermal energy thereto by means of an aperture in the wall of the ferrule. Splices prepared in this way have losses of less than 0.5 dB. The use of a precisely dimensioned ceramic ferrule enables the use of splicing apparatus which does not incorporate means for 3-dimensional micromanipulation.

Abstract: When effecting a fusion splice between two optical fibres, end parts of the two fibres are introduced transversely into opposite ends of an open-ended channel in a surface of a rigid elongate support member having at a position intermediate of its ends and in the surface a transversely extending open-ended slot for temporarily accommodating the electrodes by which fusion splicing is to be effected. After fusion splicing of the fibres and withdrawal of the electrodes, any space in the channel not occupied by the fushion spliced fibres and the transversely extending slot are filled with a curable material which is permitted or caused to set. A preformed elongate lid is secured to the surface of the support member 1 and the support member and lid provide permanent protection for the fusion splice.

Abstract: A method of splicing optical fibres is described in which at least one of the fibers has a high numerical aperture (NA) and the two fibres have different mode spot sizes. The method comprises fusing the ends of the fibres together with their cores in alignment and heating the fused junction between the fibres so as to cause dopant to migrate out of the core. The heating step is carried out for a time sufficient to achieve a predetermined level of matching between propagation modes in the two fibres.

Abstract: Optical interconnectors and methods for optically interconnecting structures, such as printed circuit boards. The optical interconnectors comprise at least two optical fibers having one end embedded in a structure such as a printed circuit board and at least one sleeve for housing termination portions of two optical fibers. The termination portions of the fibers are positioned and secured within the sleeve so that end surfaces of the optical fibers are abutted together. The resulting optical interconnectors have low loss and occupy a small amount of space while maintaining a flat profile.