Couplers for optical fibers
AssigneeCirrex Corp.
InventorsMichael Leonard Wach, Eric Todd Marple
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments are disclosed. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.
Claims20
A method for producing precision sleeves for the coupling of optical fibers, comprising the steps of:
- applying, by an electrolytic process, a first coating of material on a mandrel having a diameter suitable for producing a precision sleeve compatible with the ends of optical fibers to be coupled by the precision sleeve;
- depositing a second coating of material over the first coating of material to produce the precision sleeve;
- removing the mandrel;
- and
- removing the first coating.
A method for producing a precision sleeve for coupling optical fibers, comprising the steps of:
- applying, by an electrolytic process, a first material coating on a mandrel having a diameter that is substantially similar to the diameter of the optical fibers, the mandrel held in place by a plate to accept the coating material;
- depositing a second coating of material over the first coating of material to form the precision sleeve;
- removing the mandrel from the coating materials to produce the precision sleeve;
- and
- machining the precision sleeve to obtain a diameter and finish compatible with the ends of optical fibers to be coupled by the precision sleeve.
A method for producing a precision sleeve for the coupling of optical fibers, comprising the steps of:
- electrolytically depositing a platinum-based metal on one of an un-buffered optical fiber and a metal wire forming a mandrel having a diameter suitable for producing the precision sleeve compatible with the ends of optical fibers to be coupled by the precision sleeve;
- and
- removing the mandrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.