Methods and apparatus for cleaving optical fibers

Abstract

A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.