Joining Or Bonding Optical Fibers, Waveguides, Or Preforms (e.g., Coupling, Etc.) Patents (Class 65/406)
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Patent number: 6827508Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Fiber Optic Network Solutions CorporationInventor: David W. Stowe
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Patent number: 6820445Abstract: The invention features a method for attaching a surface of a first optical element to a surface of a second optical element. The method includes: providing a bonding glass on at least one of the surfaces, wherein the bonding glass is selected to match the refractive indices of the first and second optical elements at the surfaces over a first range of wavelengths and absorb optical energy to a greater extent than that of the optical elements over a second range of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths; positioning the surfaces proximate one another; directing optical energy to the bonding glass through at least one of the optical elements at a wavelength in the second range of wavelengths, wherein the optical energy is sufficient to melt the bonding glass without deforming the optical elements; and allowing the melted bonding glass to solidify and fuse the proximately positioned surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Zygo CorporationInventor: Edward J. Gratrix
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Patent number: 6785448Abstract: A coupling method of a coupler includes the following steps: (1) making a pair of optical fibers with different photosensitivity fused and drawn, (2) irradiating specific portions of the pair of optical fibers by intense ultraviolet light at the same time for making refractive index of the pair of optical fibers markedly different, (3) supervising coupling light energy loss spectrum and gradually adjusting the intense ultraviolet light for decreasing maximum coupling ratio and achieving an optical fiber coupler of optimum flat spectrum, thereby improving fabricating process and reducing deficient products.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: U-Conn Technology Inc.Inventors: Chih-Liang Pan, Chih-Yu Cheng, Winyann Jang
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Patent number: 6780274Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Lightpath Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Pierre Bernard, Mark A. Fitch, Paul Fournier, Marc Farrell Harris, William P. Walters
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Patent number: 6777358Abstract: A glass composition for a seal consists essentially of 70-75 wt % of PbO, 3-7 wt % of PbF2, 5-8 wt % of Bi2O3, 5-7 wt % of B203, 2-5 wt % of ZnO, 1-3 wt % of Fe2O3, 0-2 wt % of CuO, 0-2% of TeO2, and a trace <0.2% of MnO2, the composition having a flow temperature of <350° C. Such seals can be flowed at low temperatures, using different and less environmentally damaging constituents to those used before. Damage to temperature sensitive materials near the seals, can be reduced. Low flow temperatures can be achieved without excessive degradation of properties such as low viscosity, low expansion coefficient, good adhesion to glass and metals, low permeability of air, good long term hydrolytic stability. A filler such as a ceramic powder, is added to match the temperature expansion coefficient to the materials being sealed. It can be used to fix silica fiber into electro-optic devices to achieve hermetic joints with high mechanical stability.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventors: Kenneth Snowdon, Christopher Tanner, Timothy Durrant, Christopher Woodend
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Patent number: 6763685Abstract: Multiplexing and demultiplexing single-mode fiber optic couplers are fabricated by aligning two single-mode fibers which have been stripped of their protective plastic jackets and cleaned so that they are held in parallel contact with each other, and then fusing these fibers to achieve a desired fusion profile and elongating the fused fibers to achieve a match point between the wavelength period and the polarization phase. The elongation process is interrupted and resumed as required to obtain a precise match point required to produce the desired multiplexing or demultiplexing coupler.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: ITF Optical Technologies Inc.Inventor: François Gonthier
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Patent number: 6758935Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano—plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventors: Pierre Bernard, Mark A. Fitch, Paul Fournier, Marc Farrell Harris, William P. Walters
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Patent number: 6741774Abstract: A method for producing fiber optic devices having improved intrinsic resistance to external environmental conditions and a fiber optic device made my the method are disclosed. The fabrication method produces an optic device that is treated with deuterium. The method includes a step for treating and/or making optical devices in the presence of a flame produced by the combustion of deuterium gas or a mixture including deuterium.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Gould Fiber Optics, Inc.Inventors: Jack R. Tallent, Arthur J. Hoffman, III
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Patent number: 6665473Abstract: A method of manufacturing a compact fiber coupler. On a semiconductor substrate, a V-groove with a radius curvature R is formed. Then, a glue is positioned at both sides of the V-groove, and the glue is absorbed from both sides of the V-groove by capillarity. A first optical fiber and a second optical fiber are respectively fixed in the V-groove so that the cladding of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber can be polished to form a first side-polished region and a second side-polished region. Thus, the compact fiber coupler is accomplished by aligning and fusing the first side-polished region and the second side-polished region together, in which a coupling region is formed between the first side-polished region and the second side-polished region.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventors: Shiao-Min Tseng, Nan-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 6640037Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a photonic crystal preform which provides improved properties of the photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber drawn therefrom. The photonic crystal preform defect is formed using materials having a particular shape or composition so that the defect walls are preferentially etched away to provide a photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber having a smooth walled defect.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Michael T. Gallagher
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Publication number: 20030174973Abstract: A connector component for optical fibers has good dimensional accuracy and parallelism. The connector component includes a base material. The base material is provided with at least two holes for inserting and fixing optical fibers therein. The base material is made of quartz glass. Inner components are arranged for forming holes for inserting optical fibers in a die for forming an outer form of the connector component with a dimensional accuracy equal to or less than 2 &mgr;m. Slurry is poured into the die, the slurry including quartz powder, a resin binder, a dispersant, water and a curing agent. The poured slurry is cured and heated under vacuum so as to vitrify the cured slurry to obtain the quartz glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Futoshi Ishii, Shuhei Yoshizawa, Tamotsu Yajima, Haruhito Araki
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Patent number: 6578388Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Arroyo Optics Inc.Inventors: Anthony S. Kewitsch, George A. Rakuljic, Phil A. Willems, Xiaolin Tong
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Patent number: 6510709Abstract: Disclosed are a shaping mold for producing an optical fiber guide block which permits highly accurate positioning and fixing of optical fibers, an optical fiber guide block having such excellent properties, processes for the production of these, and an optical fiber array.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Teruo Yamashita, Kaoru Kagami, You Ohgami
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Patent number: 6499886Abstract: A method of manufacturing glass parts for connection of glass fibers is provided, which can improve the accuracy of the cross-sectional size of a through hole in the glass part. A mother glass having a similar cross section to a desired cross section of a glass part having a through hole is prepared, and the prepared mother glass is drawn while it is heated.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiaki Mizuno, Katsuya Kamisaku, Masahiro Morishita
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Patent number: 6484540Abstract: A method for welding a dummy tube to a quartz glass tube for use as an optical fiber preform, comprising chamfering the inner edge portion of the dummy tube and/or the quartz glass tube for use as the optical fiber preform before welding the quartz glass tube for use as the optical fiber preform with the dummy tube, and then melt welding them together.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignees: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG, Shin-Etsu Quartz Products Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsuhi Shimada, Toshiyuki Kato, Masanori Suzuki, Yutaka Watabe
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Patent number: 6440776Abstract: A method of attaching a component onto a microbench includes laying the component in a groove in the substrate, and locally deforming a portion of the groove, to thereby hold the component in the groove. Preferably, the microbench is a silicon substrate used for MEMs-type structures in the fiber optics industry. In particular, the method is used for securing an optical fiber in a groove, DRI etched from a silicon substrate, before or after the fiber is aligned with other optical components, i.e. lenses, lasers etc. The local deformation is done using a laser welding device selected to be effective in locally melting the substrate while leaving the component relatively undamaged.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Musk
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Patent number: 6434976Abstract: A manufacturing method for a glass product not having a rotatively symmetric body like an optical fiber fixing member but having a fine structure as of optical fiber engagement portions, to transfer the fine structure with a high precision without creating molding burrs, includes the steps of placing a glass material in a cavity defined by a lower mold, an upper mold, and a side mold, molding the glass material in the cavity with pressure into the glass product in so controlling that the glass material has a viscosity range of 106.5 to 109.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Masahiro Yoshida, Reikou Fukazaki, Teruo Yamashita, Yoshiatsu Yokoo, Ken Uno
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Publication number: 20020073743Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber preform in which a starting member prepared by fusing dummy rods to both end portions of a core preform is axially reciprocated relative to a glass synthesizing burner while being rotated about its axis, so that fine particles of glass synthesized by the burner are sprayed and deposited onto the outer periphery of the starting member, whereby a soot body is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Motonori Nakamura, Yuichi Ohga
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Patent number: 6305195Abstract: An improved process for fabricating a refractory dielectric article, in particular silica optical fiber, is provided. The fabrication process involves joining of two elongated bodies—typically silica preforms—end-to-end by use of an isothermal plasma torch technique. A long preform made in this manner allows drawing of optical fiber with less down-time and waste than current processes. The plasma torch technique also produces low perturbations within the resultant preform, thereby increasing the amount of usable fiber.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Agere Systems Guardian Corp.Inventors: James William Fleming, Jr., George John Zydzik
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Patent number: 6289699Abstract: A wavelength selective optical fiber coupler having various applications in the field of optical communications is disclosed. The coupler is composed of dissimilar waveguides in close proximity. A light induced, permanent index of refraction grating is recorded in the coupler waist The grating filters and transfers energy within a particular range of wavelengths from a first waveguide to a second waveguide. Transversely asymmetric gratings provide an efficient means of energy transfer. The coupler can be used to combine or multiplex a plurality of lasers operating at slightly different wavelengths into a single fiber. Other embodiments such as a dispersion compensator and gain flattening filter are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Arroyo Optics, Inc.Inventors: Anthony S. Kewitsch, George A. Rakuljic, Amnon Yariv
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Patent number: 6278821Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer for performing an optical function on a plurality of optical fibers is provided. The interferometer includes a first cane segment surrounding the optical fibers. The first cane segment forms a first optical coupling region. The interferometer also includes a second cane segment surrounding the optical fibers. The second cane segment forms a second optical coupling region. A phase shift region is formed by a discontinuity between the first and second cane segments for exposing the optical fibers. The optical fibers are suspended between the first and second cane segments within the phase shift region. A substrate is provided for supporting the optical fibers within the phase shift region.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Joel P. Carberry, Mark F. Krol, William J. Miller, Mark L. Morrell
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Patent number: 6266465Abstract: Angled unions and junctions for conduits in which fiber optic conductors are run are provided for downhole oil drilling, injection and production operations. The unions and junctions provide high pressure and adverse condition protection for the optic fibers while providing an acceptable bend radius.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Baker Huges IncorporatedInventor: Kurt A. Hickey
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Patent number: 6237370Abstract: A system for automated production of a fiber optic device includes a chamber regulating an environment and/or atmosphere within for the automated production of the fiber optic device. The system also includes a sealable input port, communicating with the chamber and substantially sealing the environment and the atmosphere of the chamber. The sealable input port receives an optical fiber for insertion therethrough into the chamber. A movable holding stage is included within the chamber, including at least one clamp to be secured to the optical fiber. An energy source is disposed within the chamber, and used to apply energy to the optical fiber. The system also includes a gripping device within the chamber. The gripping device includes a cavity adapted for receiving the optical fiber therethrough and for securing thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Cary Bloom
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Patent number: 6217698Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam at least two optical components to a different optical component, the different optical component (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical components (e.g., at least two optical fibers).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: LightPath Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William P. Walters, Mark A. Fitch, Paul Fournier, Marc Farrell Harris, Pierre Bernard
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Patent number: 6205820Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a machined glass surface for improving the adhesive attachment of an optical fiber to this surface, characterized in that machined surface is attacked by an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, then the attacked surface is treated with a bifunctional hydrolyzable silane adhesion promoter or the product of its hydrolysis and partial condensation.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Jean-Marie M. G. Pegouret, Frederic H. F. Jean-Marie Florent
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Patent number: 6103344Abstract: A heat-fused unitary ferrule includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate. The first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are unitarily joined by heat-fusion. A method for producing a heat-fused unitary ferrule includes the steps of: bringing a surface to be heat-fused of the first glass substrate having a groove for fixing an optical fiber into contact with a surface to be heat-fused of the second glass substrate; and subjecting the first and second glass substrates to heat-fusion at a temperature ranging from (Tg1-100).degree. C. to (Tg2+150).degree. C. (Tg1 denotes the higher glass transition temperature, and Tg2 denotes the lower glass transition temperature of the first and second glass substrates).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd, NGK Optoceramics Co., LtdInventors: Takashi Ota, Masashi Fukuyama, Hitoshi Hasegawa, Kazutoshi Tohyama
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Patent number: 6050110Abstract: A manufacturing method for a glass product not having a rotatively symmetric body like an optical fiber fixing member but having a fine structure as of optical fiber engagement portions, to transfer the fine structure with a high precision without creating molding burrs, includes the steps of placing a glass material in a cavity defined by a lower mold, an upper mold, and a side mold, molding the glass material in the cavity with pressure into the glass product in so controlling that the glass material has a viscosity range of 10.sup.6.5 to 10.sup.9.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Masahiro Yoshida, Lihong Zhang, Teruo Yamashita, Yoshiatsu Yokoo, Ken Uno
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Patent number: 6033515Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical component (e.g., an optical fiber).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: LightPath Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William P. Walters, Mark A. Fitch, Paul Fournier, Marc Farrell Harris, Pierre Bernard
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Patent number: 5996376Abstract: A method of patterning a plurality of optical rods includes bonding a plurality of optical rods into an array wherein each of the optical rods is aligned so that an exposed end face of each of the optical rods is oriented in a common direction. The exposed end faces of the optical rods are patterned so that each of the exposed end faces has a three-dimensional pattern formed thereon. These patterned optical rods can then be separated and used in the fabrication of optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Digital Optics CorporationInventors: Eric G. Johnson, Michael R. Feldman
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Patent number: 5891210Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting member for facilitating connecting of optical fibers, and a connecting method in which the loss due to connecting is small. An optical fiber connecting member is composed of: a retaining portion having through-holes each of which has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of optical fibers to be connected; and introduction portions which are integrally formed with and on the opposite end sides of the retaining portion and each of which has introduction grooves communicated with the through-holes to thereby make it easy to insert ends of the optical fibers into the through-holes. Further, the inner diameter of each of the through-holes is reduced by heating the connecting member to thereby make axis alignment of the optical fibers automatically to obtain connecting in which the connecting loss is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Watanabe, Shinji Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5682453Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Gould Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hani S. Daniel, Douglas R. Moore
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Patent number: 5620494Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an optical fiber coupler in which an optical fiber is elongated and heated by using a heating source under a constant tension. The heat source is controlled based on the ratio of a target elongating speed and an actual elongating speed of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Eisuke Sasaoka, Yuji Kobayashi, Tomomi Moriya, Yoichi Ishiguro, Shigeru Semura
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Patent number: 5594822Abstract: Overclad fiber optic couplers are made by inserting the uncoated portions of a plurality of optical fibers into the bore of a glass tube, collapsing the tube midregion onto the fibers and stretching the central portion of the tube midregion. The present method utilizes a glass tube the bore of which includes a circular portion and a recess. A plurality of optical fibers are sequentially inserted into the tube by threading the coated end into the circular bore portion until the uncoated portion of fiber is centered in the tube. The uncoated portion of fiber is then transferred laterally into the bore recess. After all fibers have been threaded into the circular bore portion and transferred to the recess, a filler fiber is inserted into the circular bore portion. The resultant coupler exhibits low excess loss.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: George E. Berkey
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Patent number: 5572618Abstract: A passive optical attenuating device comprises an optical waveguide adapted to receive optical radiation and absorb, along its length, at least 0.2 dB/m of the optical radiation. The waveguide section may be coupled to a low-loss optical fiber so as to receive an optical signal to be attenuated therefrom. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, at least one region of the waveguide is doped with a transition metal to achieve a pre-selected absorptivity per unit length so that a controlled degree of attenuation can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: David J. DiGiovanni, Katherine T. Nelson, Jay R. Simpson, Kenneth L. Walker
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Patent number: 5553179Abstract: A varied ratio coupler, and a method of forming the same, constructed and arranged, in a unitary structure, to cause optical power in an input optical fiber to couple asymmetrically to at least two output optical fibers in a manner establishing different insertion losses between the input fiber and at least two output optical fibers. The coupler includes a central fiber surrounded by a close-packed ring of fibers. In certain preferred embodiments, the coupler has a bend that lies in a preselected plane and has a radius of curvature that is selected to provide the above difference in the insertion losses.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Porta Systems Corp.Inventors: Colm V. Cryan, David W. Stowe, Margaret M. Parslow
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Patent number: 5509952Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of increasing the attachment bond strength between a first and second object comprising respective first and second materials. Each of the first and second materials has a respective first coefficient of thermal expansion at an assembly temperature, and a second coefficient of thermal expansion at an operational temperature. The method has various steps (FIG. 4). An attachment surface of the first material is configured to be nonplanar (FIG. 3a, 36, 37). The second material is brought to a contact point with the attachment surface of the first material (FIG. 3b, 46). The first and second materials are heated at the contact point to the assembly temperature whereby at least one of the materials is caused to flow in response to the heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Moore, David L. Ma, Robert L. Bontz, Harry B. Bonham, Jr.
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Patent number: 5457759Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: France TelecomInventors: Ndiata Kalonji, Jack Semo
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Patent number: 5430821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Soei International Patent FirmInventors: Eisuke Sasoka, Hiroshi Suganuma, Tomoyuki Hattori, Hiroaki Takimoto
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Patent number: 5415730Abstract: Aluminized optical fiber is used for transmitting electricity, as well as transmitting lightwaves. In one example, an aluminized optical fiber (17) is bonded within a photonics package in contact with a conductor (15) that interconnects it to a photonic device (12) or electronic circuit. Power is then supplied to the package by applying it to the aluminized coating (19) of the optical fiber. This avoids the need for a separate conductor extending into the photonics package for supplying electrical power. It also may significantly simplify system design since the power supply can conveniently be included a fairly remote distance from the photonics package.The aluminized optical fiber can be bonded to a metallization in the V-groove (13) that provides electrical contact simply by applying heat and pressure. This allows the aluminized fiber to be bonded without the need for any adhesives, while assuring good electrical contact for the transmission of electrical power. According to another embodiment (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Everett J. Canning, Ranjan Dutta
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Patent number: 5413620Abstract: The invention relates to a process for adhesively bonding the surface of a humidity sensitive glass article by:(A) bringing the surface to be strengthened into contact with an aqueous solution of an acid and a silane; then(B) bringing the surface to be strengthened into contact with an alkaline aqueous solution of sodium silicate and/or potassium silicate; and(C) drying and hardening the coating applied on the surface of the glass as the result of steps (A) and (B).(D) Then adhesively bonding the glass article to another component to form a composite glass article.Application to the production of optical fiber couplers and composite lenses.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: David Henry
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Patent number: 5408554Abstract: In one aspect, the invention concerns fused fiber optic couplers of the type formed from fibers of transparent substance each having a circular cross-section of preselected diameter. The fibers include a central fiber and at least one ring of closely packed surrounding fibers with at least some of the fibers being optical fibers that have a core and a surrounding cladding. The coupler is formed by the processes of providing the fibers, assembling them in a close-packed relationship, and heating and drawing the assembly of fibers in the close-packed region.We have discovered that the steps involved in forming such a coupler, introduce slight size variations that can seriously affect the performance of the coupler, and that these slight variations can be accommodated by slight, controlled, under-sizing of one or more of the surrounding fibers or over-sizing of the central fiber.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Porta System CorporationInventors: Colm V. Cryan, David W. Stowe, Dave R. Maack