Bend-type fiber optic light injector
AssigneeGeneral Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
InventorsKenneth R. Schroll, James P. Waters
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical fiber is bent to form a discontinuous curve through which light can be injected into the fiber or extracted from the fiber. The bend can be formed by securing a portion of the optical fiber in a fixture and laterally displacing a portion of the fiber outside the fixture using a depressor. The depressor can be an integral part of the securing fixture or a separate device. The securing fixture can be adjustable so that the degree and location of the bend can be varied. Injected light can be sourced from a second optical fiber, and extracted light can be supplied to a second optical fiber which can have a lens at its free end.
Claims23
An apparatus for transferring light between a first optical fiber having a longitudinal axis and a second optical fiber, comprising:
- a first fixture securing a first portion of said first optical fiber;
- a depressor operably associated with a second portion of said first optical fiber, said depressor configured to selectively displace said second portion of said first optical fiber in a direction substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, such that a bend is selectively formed in said second portion of said first optical fiber;
- and
- a second fixture securing said second optical fiber;
- wherein the curvature of said bend proximate an interface between said first and second portions of said first optical fiber is discontinuous;
- wherein said second optical fiber is in a predetermined alignment with said interface.
A method for transferring light between a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, comprising the steps of:
- securing a first portion of said first optical fiber in a first fixture;
- securing a portion of said second optical fiber in a predetermined orientation with respect to said first optical fiber;
- laterally displacing a second portion of said first optical fiber so as to form a bend in said first optical fiber in a region proximate an interface between said first portion of said first optical fiber and said second portion of said first optical fiber, the curvature of at least a portion of said bend proximate said interface being discontinuous;
- and
- aligning said second optical fiber with said first optical fiber and said interface region in a predetermined alignment.
An apparatus for injecting light into a first optical fiber, comprising:
- a first fixture for securing a first portion of said first optical fiber;
- a depressor for laterally displacing a second portion of said first optical fiber, wherein said lateral displacement causes a bend to be formed in said second portion of said first optical fiber proximate said fixture;
- and
- a light source configured to direct light at said bend in said first optical fiber;
- wherein the curvature of at least a portion of said bend is discontinuous.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.