Optical fiber coupler

A method for coupling ends of a first and second optical fibers of a substantially equal diameter, the method comprising:

• providing three cylindrical rods, whose longitudinal axes are substantially parallel and in a triangular arrangement;
• providing a pressing mechanism for pressing the rods together, forming a central space that is substantially parallel to the axes;
• providing an urging mechanism for urging the inserted end of the first optical fiber against the inserted end of the second optical fiber;
• inserting an end of the first optical fiber into one end of the central space and an end of the second optical fiber into an opposite end of the central space until the inserted ends meet;
• operating the pressing mechanism to press the rods together such that the inserted end of the first optical fiber is held substantially collinearly with the inserted end of the second optical fiber;
• and
• operating the urging mechanism to urge the inserted end of the first optical fiber against the inserted end of the second optical fiber.