Sealed fiber-optic bundle feedthrough

#This invention relates generally to fiber-optic bundles, and more particularly to the passage of fiber-optic bundles through walls or other physical structures while maintaining the environmental conditions within the wall or structure.

#The collection and measurement of light emitted from various sources can be achieved through the use of fiber-optic technology. For example, various kinds of light, such as visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, and flourescent light are transmissible through optical fiber. Extensive work to improve this technology continues because of the increasing importance of light transmission in communications and in various scientific endeavors.

#Light sources are often enclosed in controlled environments using chambers capable of creating a variety of pressure and temperature conditions. The fiber optics must therefore pass through a wall of the chamber while allowing the chamber to maintain the desired environmental conditions. A hermetic seal at this feedthrough allows the chamber to maintain this condition.

#FIG. 1 is a side view of a fiber-optic bundle feedthrough of the present invention having a rigid sleeve and optical fibers therein.

#FIG. 2 is an end view of the sealed bundle showing the separation of the individual fibers of the bundle as separated and sealed with the solid polymer sealant.

#FIG. 3 is enlarged view of insert A of FIG. 2 showing the optical fibers, sealant, and rigid sleeve in greater detail.

#FIG. 1 shows a hermetically sealed optical bundle feedthrough, identified generally by reference numeral 20, attached to environmental chamber wall or barrier 10 at opening 12. Feedthrough 20 includes sleeve 22, fiber bundle 24, flange 30, compression cap 46, and O-ring seals 32 and 34. Fiber bundle 24 includes a plurality of optical fibers 26 which are bonded to each other and inner surface 36 of sleeve 22 with sealant 28.

#Sleeve 22 has an outer surface 38 and an inner surface 36 which defines hole 40. Sleeve 22 is rigid and may be formed in a variety of configurations, and from a variety of materials. Hole 40 for the passage of the fiber bundle may take on a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, rectangular, etc. Sleeve 22 may be formed of a metallic or other hard material, including plastic such as a vinyl chloride polymer.

#In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the diameter of sleeve 22 is less than or equal to the diameter of opening 12 in chamber wall 10. The area of hole 40 in sleeve 22 is dependent on the number of fibers 26 in bundle 24. The minimum possible outside diameter of sleeve 22 is dependent on the size and shape of hole 40.