Device for generating electrical signal that is a function of the optical power in optical fiber, and method of forming the same

#The present invention relates to fiber optic devices, and more particularly to a detector for generating an electrical signal that is a function of the optical power in an optical fiber.

#In recent years, there has been a widespread and global deployment of fiber optic networks and systems. The ability to monitor and control the optical power within an optical fiber is important to the operation of such networks and systems.

#The present invention provides an optical detector for generating an electrical signal that is a function of the optical power in an optical fiber.

#The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical device for generating an electrical signal that is a function of the optical power in an optical fiber illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along lines 2—2 of FIG. 1;

#Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, the Figures show a device 10 for generating an electrical signal that is a function of the optical power in an optical fiber. (In the drawings, the respective parts in many instances are not drawn to scale, and in some instances, are exaggerated for the purposes of illustration).

#Device 10 is comprised of an “n” by “m” fiber optic coupler 12 that is mounted onto a substrate 32. In the embodiment shown, coupler 12 is a 2×2 fused, bi-conically-tapered splitter-coupler. Coupler 12 is formed from two continuous optical fibers, designated 22a, 22b, which have been coupled by conventionally known methods. Coupler 12 has a coupling region, designated 12a. Each fiber 22a, 22b has an outer jacket or buffer (not shown) comprised of a polymeric material that surrounds inner glass fiber cladding 26. As is conventionally understood, the jacket or buffer of fibers 22a, 22b are removed along a portion of their length to facilitate the manufacture of coupler 12. Fibers 22a, 22b are coupled to produce a desired coupling ratio between fibers 22a, 22b, depending upon the application. If the optical power in an optical fiber is to be measured, optical fibers 22a, 22b are preferably coupled to produce a coupling ratio of 95% to 5%, more preferably, 98% to 2%, and most preferably, 99% to 1% or less, wherein only a small fraction (5% or less) of light to be measured traveling in the one fiber will be split to the other fiber.

#As will be appreciated from a further reading of the specification, the present invention may also find advantageous application where a beam of light is used to perform work. In this respect, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can be powered by light converted to electricity. In such applications, the fibers are preferably coupled, such that a large portion of light in the one fiber is coupled to the fiber where it is to be converted to electricity, and only a small portion of the light remains in the original fiber for a communication system.