System and method for coupling and redirecting optical energy between two optical waveguides oriented at a predetermined angle

Abstract

An optical waveguide coupler can be adjusted in the field and can couple and redirect optical energy leaving a first optical waveguide oriented in a first position into a second optical waveguide oriented in second position different from the first position. The optical coupler can maximize the optical energy transfer between two optical waveguides, while minimizing any back reflection or other optical return losses. The optical coupler provides an automatic core-to-core alignment of optical waveguides in free space by using aspherically shaped lenses with predetermined prescriptions in combination with a reflecting device that is accurately positioned between the two lenses.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.