In-line optical fiber devices, optical systems, and methods
AssigneeUniversity of Maribor
InventorDenis Donlagic
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An in-line optical device adapted to be bonded in between ends of an optical fiber line is disclosed. The in-line optical device has an inner optical field interaction region, an outer support structure, and at least one radial opening. In some embodiments, a void region substantially surrounds the inner optical field interaction region. Systems including the in-line optical device and methods of making and using the in-line optical device are provided. Numerous other aspects are provided.
Claims28
An in-line optical device, comprising:
- a field interaction region of an optically-transmissive material, the field interaction region having a central axis;
- a support structure spaced from the central axis having one or more radial openings;
- and
- a void between the support structure and the field interaction region, the void substantially surrounding the field interaction region.
An in-line optical device, comprising:
- a field interaction region comprising a non-solid void, the field interaction region having a central axis;
- and
- a support structure spaced from the central axis having one or more radial openings.
An in-line optical device, comprising:
- a field interaction region including at least a core of an optically-transmissive material, the field interaction region having a central axis;
- and
- a support structure spaced from the central axis having a first radial opening and a second radial opening extending to the field interaction region.
An optical device, comprising:
- a first lead-in optical fiber;
- a second lead-in optical fiber;
- and
- an in-line optical device coupled between the first lead-in optical fiber and the second lead-in optical fiber, the in-line optical device including:
- a field interaction region of an optically-transmissive material, the field interaction region having a central axis,
- a support structure spaced from a central axis having one or more radial openings, and
- a void between the support structure and the field interaction region, the void substantially surrounding the field interaction region.
An optical system, comprising:
- a first lead-in optical fiber;
- a second lead-in optical fiber;
- an in-line optical device coupled between first lead-in optical fiber and the second lead-in optical fiber, the in-line optical device including:
- a field interaction region of an optically-transmissive material, the inner optical field interaction region having a central axis,
- a support structure spaced from a central axis having one or more radial openings, and
- a void between the support structure and the field interaction region, the void substantially surrounding the field interaction region;
- and
- an optical system adapted to send and receive light signals to and from the in-line optical device.
A method of manufacturing an in-line optical device, comprising:
- providing a structure-forming fiber having a support structure forming portion, a field interaction region forming portion, and a preferentially-etchable portion;
- bonding the structure-forming fiber between a first lead-in fiber and a second lead-in fiber to form a bonded fiber assembly;
- and
- etching at least the structure-forming fiber to remove at least a portion of the preferentially-etchable portion to form an in-line optical device having a field interaction region, and a support structure having one or more radial openings.
A method of manufacturing an in-line optical device, comprising:
- providing a first structure-forming fiber having a support structure forming portion, a field interaction region forming portion, and a preferentially-etchable portion abutting the field interaction region forming portion;
- and
- etching the structure-forming fiber to remove at least a portion of the preferentially-etchable portion to form an in-line optical device having
- a field interaction region, and
- a support structure having one or more radial openings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.