Low-loss large-diameter pigtail
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorsRebecca S. Bryant, Christopher J. Wright, Michael Arcand, Christopher T. Chipman
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Abstract
Low-loss large diameter optical waveguide attachment devices (i.e., pigtails) and methods and systems of making the same are provided. The optical waveguide attachment devices may include an optical fiber (or other type waveguide) embedded in a larger diameter carrier tube. According to some embodiments, multiple laser beams (from one or more laser) may be utilized to uniformly heat the circumference of the carrier tube. According to some embodiments a maria may be formed in one end of the capillary tube to facilitate optical waveguide insertion and/or provide strain relief.
Claims28
A method for producing an optical waveguide attachment device, comprising:
- inserting a bare end of an optical waveguide into a first end of a capillary tube, wherein a portion of the optical waveguide extends from the first end;
- and
- heating a portion of the capillary tube by exposure to at least two laser beams to collapse the capillary tube onto the optical waveguide.
A method for producing an optical waveguide attachment device, comprising:
- forming a maria in one end of a capillary tube;
- inserting a bare end of an optical waveguide into the first end of the capillary tube through the maria, wherein a portion of the optical waveguide extends from the first end;
- and
- heating a portion of the capillary tube by exposure to at least two laser beams to collapse the capillary tube onto the optical waveguide.
A system for producing an optical attachment device having a optical waveguide encased in a capillary tube, comprising:
- at least one source laser to provide at least one laser beam;
- a stage to hold the capillary and optical waveguide wherein the stage is movable along a longitudinal axis of the capillary tube to vary the position of the capillary tube and optical waveguide in a path of the at least one laser beam;
- and
- a beam delivery arrangement to deliver at least two laser beams to different locations about the circumference of the capillary tube, wherein the at least two laser beams are generated from the at least one laser beam provided by the at least one source.
An optical waveguide attachment device, comprising:
- a capillary tube;
- a maria formed in a first end of the capillary tube;
- an optical waveguide onto which at least a portion of the capillary tube is collapsed, wherein at least a portion of the optical waveguide extends from the first end of the capillary tube;
- and
- strain relief material disposed in the maria.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.