Couplers for optical fibers
AssigneeCirrex Corp.
InventorsMichael Leonard Wach, Eric Todd Marple
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments. 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.
Claims24
An optical fiber mating system comprising:
- a first optical fiber with an end surface and a longitudinal axis;
- a second optical fiber with an end surface and a longitudinal axis;
- a sleeve encasing each end surface of each optical fiber and aligning said longitudinal axes, said sleeve promoting efficient transfer of light energy between said optical fibers.
A miniaturized connector system, comprising:
- an optical fiber having an end portion and a diameter;
- an optical waveguide;
- a sleeve encasing said end portion and a portion of said optical waveguide, said sleeve having a diameter that is less than or substantially equal to said diameter, said sleeve facilitating efficient transfer of light energy between said optical fiber and said optical waveguide.
A precision sleeve for coupling of optical fibers comprising a cylinder with a wall thickness of less than 0.001 inches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.