US 5,400,420 A · Method and apparatus for applying a nanoliter quantity of liquid to a target object without solid contact

Abstract

Apparatus for optically coupling first and second optical fiber segments comprises a base frame (10), a support (14, 18) for supporting the second fiber segment relative to the base frame in an orientation in which its central axis is aligned with a horizontal optical axis (72), and a first displacement mechanism (40-64) for supporting the first fiber segment in a coaxially aligned relationship with the second fiber segment. The first displacement mechanism is operable selectively to displace the first fiber segment along the horizontal optical axis. A cup (122) contains a bath of index-matching liquid and is supported at a position below the horizontal optical axis. A second displacement mechanism (108, 110) supports a dipper (114, 118) so that the dipper is displaceable along a path such that a drop retaining portion of the dipper is first placed within the cup and is then raised so that the drop retaining portion of the dipper lies on the horizontal optical axis.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A method of optically coupling first and second substantially horizontal optical fiber segments in coaxially aligned relationship with a free end of the first fiber segment confronting a free end of the second fiber segment, said method comprising:

(a) providing a bath of index-matching liquid and a dipper member,
(b) bringing about relative movement between the dipper member and the bath, whereby the dipper member is partially immersed in the bath,
(c) bringing about relative movement between the dipper member and the bath, whereby the dipper member is removed from the bath with a drop of liquid adhered to the dipper member,
(d) bringing about relative movement between the dipper member and the first fiber segment, whereby the free end of the first fiber segment is positioned in the drop and is removed from the drop so that a droplet of liquid remains thereon, and
(e) bringing about relative movement between the first and second fiber segments along their common axis, whereby the free end of the first fiber segment and the free end of the second fiber segment are brought into close non-contacting relationship and are optically coupled through the droplet of liquid.

2 more elements

Apparatus for optically coupling first and second optical fiber segments, said apparatus comprising:

a base frame (10),
a support means (14,18) for supporting the second fiber segment relative to the base frame in an orientation in which its central axis is aligned with a horizontal optical axis (72),
a first displacement means (40-64) for supporting the first fiber segment in coaxially aligned relationship with the second fiber segment, said first displacement means being operable selectively to displace the first fiber segment along said horizontal optical axis,
a cup (122) for containing a bath of index-matching liquid, said cup being supported below said horizontal optical axis,
a dipper member (114,118) having a drop retaining portion, and
a second displacement means (108,110) for supporting the dipper member, said second displacement means being operable selectively to displace the dipper member along a path such that the drop retaining portion of the dipper member is placed within the cup and is then raised so that the drop retaining portion of the dipper member lies on said horizontal optical axis.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for applying a nanoliter quantity of liquid to a target object without solid contact

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for applying a nanoliter quantity of liquid to a target object without solid contact

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28