Method and apparatus for splicing optical fibers
AssigneeCorning Cable Systems LLC
InventorYong Tian
Life of this patent
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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. Preheating is suitably by a laser with its beam (15) centered close to the interface between the two fibers (or slightly displaced in the direction of the fiber of higher melting point if the intensity of the beam is relatively evenly spread) using a screen (13) to shade the fiber of lower melting point from the beam.
Claims20
A method of splicing optical fibers that differ substantially in melting point comprising aligning ends of the fibers and bringing said ends together while heating at least one said end to its melting point, so as to obtain a fusion bond, wherein the fiber of lower melting point is heated to a substantial degree by thermal conduction from the fiber of higher melting point.
Apparatus for splicing optical fibers comprising clamps for holding two fiber ends, adjusting mechanisms for aligning them, a mechanism for bringing them together and a heat source for heating at least one of them to its melting point while doing so, so as to obtain a fusion bond, wherein the heat source is arranged to heat one of the fibers predominantly, so that the other fiber will be heated to a substantial degree by thermal conduction from the first-mentioned fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.