Optical coupling method
AssigneeAbbott Laboratories
InventorLokanathan M. Iyer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Method of reversibly coupling optical fibers using an elastomeric composition adhered to the end of at least one optical fiber. The elastomeric composition remains stable after multiple connections and disconnections and protects the ends of the optical fibers from damage unlike conventional coupling gels or epoxy resin adhesives.
Claims23
In a method of coupling a first end of a primary optical waveguide to a first end of a secondary optical waveguide wherein the optical waveguides have an index of refraction n.sub.3, the improvement comprises:
- (a) formulating an elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition having an index of refraction n.sub.2 in the cured state such that n.sub.2 is substantially equal to the index of refraction n.sub.3 of the optical waveguides;
- (b) applying the elastomeric composition to the first end of the primary optical waveguide;
- and
- (c) subjecting the elastomeric composition to curing conditions.
A method of reversibly coupling a primary optical waveguide to a secondary optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguides have an index of refraction n.sub.3, comprising the steps:
- (a) formulating an elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition having an index of refraction n.sub.2 in the cured state such that n.sub.2 is substantially equal to the index of refraction n .sub.3 of the optical waveguides;
- (b) applying the elastomeric composition to the first end of the primary optical waveguide;
- (c) subjecting the elastomeric composition to curing conditions;
- and
- (d) optically aligning the first end of the primary optical waveguide and the first end of the secondary optical waveguide so as to minimize the reflection and scattering of transmitted light at the interface of the primary optical waveguide and the secondary optical waveguide with the elastomeric composition.
A fiber optic connector comprising:
- (a) a first body part for receiving and retaining at least one longitudinal primary optical waveguide, the first body part having a longitudinal axis and a fore and an aft end and the primary optical waveguide having a first and a second end, the first end of the primary optical waveguide terminating proximate the fore end of the first body part;
- (b) a second body part for receiving and retaining at least one secondary optical waveguide, the second body part having a longitudinal axis and a fore and an aft end and the secondary optical waveguide having a first and a second end, the first end of the secondary optical waveguide terminating proximate the fore end of the second body part, the second body part capable of mating with the first body part such that the first ends of the optical waveguides are proximate each other and are longitudinally aligned;
- and
- (c) an elastomeric composition adhered to at least the first end of the primary optical waveguide.
In a method of coupling a first end of a primary optical waveguide to a first end of a secondary optical waveguide wherein the optical waveguides have an index of refraction n.sub.3, the improvement comprises:
- (a) formulating an uncured elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition having an index of refraction n.sub.2 in the cured state such that n.sub.2 is substantially equal to the index of refraction n.sub.3 of the optical waveguides;
- (b) applying the uncured elastomeric composition to the first end of the primary optical waveguide;
- and
- (c) subjecting the uncured elastomeric composition to curing conditions.
In a method of coupling a first end of a primary optical waveguide to a first end of a secondary optical waveguide wherein the optical waveguides have an index of refraction n.sub.3, the improvement comprises:
- (a) formulating an uncured elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition having an index of refraction n.sub.2 in the cured state such that n.sub.2 is substantially equal to the index of refraction n.sub.3 of the optical waveguides;
- (b) applying the uncured elastomeric composition to the first end of the primary optical waveguide;
- and
- (c) subjecting the uncured elastomeric composition to curing conditions, such that the uncured elastomeric composition is cured, the cured elastomeric composition adhering to the first end of the primary optical waveguide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.