US 6,947,635 B2 · Device and method for transmitting light over an optical fiber

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for transmitting light over a fat fiber (1) between optical components (B1; B2) of an optical measuring device, which are provided at a launching end (C) and at an extraction end (R; K; O) of the fat fiber (1). Said measuring device comprises a guiding means for the curved rigid guidance of a first partial section (PQ; FGHI; IJ; FL; LM; MN) of the fat fiber (1). If the radius of curvature of the curved guidance falls below a first limit, the light beam profile of the fat fiber (1) is homogenized by a mode mixing. In order to diminish the effect on the transmitted light caused by a permitted change in position of the fat fiber (1), a stiffening means, which is rigidly connected to the guiding means, is provided for rigidly guiding a second partial section (QR; JK; NO) of the fat fiber (1). Said second partial section connects to the first partial section (PQ; FGH; IJ; FL; LM; MN) and extends essentially up to the optical component (B2) located at the extraction end (R; K; O), whereby the entire length of the first and second partial section is at least provided with a length that renders the extraction end (R; K; O) of the fat fiber (1) mechanically stable.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A device for transmitting light through an optical fiber (1) between optical components (B1, B2) of an optical arrangement provided at the input end (C) and the output end (R;

K;
O) of the optical fiber (1), and which includes a mode mixer having guidance means for curved, rigid guidance of at least a first subsegment (PQ;
IJ;
FGHI;
FL;
LM;
MN) of the optical fiber (1), wherein the radius of curvature of the curved guide is less than a first threshold value, below which the light beam profile is homogenized by the optical fiber (1), characterized in that the guidance means is conformed in such manner that it guides an optical fiber (1) in the form of a thick core fiber and the device further includes a reinforcing means rigidly connected with the mode mixer for rigid guidance of a second subsegment (QR;
JK;
NO) of the thick core fiber (1), which is connected to the first subsegment (PQ FGHI;
IJ;
FL;
LM;
MN) and extends essentially as far as optical component (B2) at output end (R;
K;
O), wherein the reinforcing means is rigidly connected at the output end with the optical component (B2) during use in the optical arrangement and the overall length of the first and second subsegments together is at least such that the output end (R;
K;
O) of the thick core fiber (1) is mechanically stabilized.

14 more elements

A method for transmitting light through an optical fiber (1) between optical components (B1, B2) of an optical arrangement provided at the input end (C) and an output end (R;

K;
O) of the optical fiber (1), according to which the light is transmitted through a rigidly guided, curved subsegment (PQ;
FGHI;
IJ;
FL;
LM;
MN) of the optical fiber (1), wherein the radius of curvature of the first subsegment (PQ;
FGHI;
IJ;
FL;
LM;
MN) is less than a first threshold value, below which the light beam profile is homogenized by the optical fiber (1) through mode mixing, characterized in that the optical fiber (1) is a thick core fiber and that the light is transmitted from the first subsegment (PQ FGHI;
FL;
LM;
MN) essentially as far as the output end (R;
K;
O) of the optical fiber (1) through a second rigidly guided subsegment (QR;
JK;
NO) of the thick core fiber (1), wherein the second subsegment (QR;
JK;
NO) is rigidly connected at the output end with the optical component (B2) and the total length of the first and second subsegments is at least such that the output end (R;
K, O) of the thick core fiber (1) is mechanically stabilized.

19 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Device and method for transmitting light over an optical fiber

Life of this patent

Device and method for transmitting light over an optical fiber

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24