Abstract The peripheral surface of a portion of an optical fiber is roughed and thereon a photoelectrically converting element is provided, so that light transmitted in the optical fiber is converted into electric signals by the photoelectrically converting element. Such a photoelectrically converting optical fiber is made by taking a model or a replica of an optical fiber, forming a photoelectrically converting element on the replica, roughing the peripheral surface of the portion of the optical fiber from which the replica is taken, and interlocking again the replica to the optical fiber so as to transfer the photoelectrically converting element onto the roughed surface portion. Furthermore, electrically conductive coating is provided on the other portion of the optical fiber except for the roughed surface portion so as to provide a terminal, and also lead wire, for the photoelectrically converting element.
A method as in claim 1, where the optical fiber is abraded by spraying hydrofluoric acid on the surface of the optical fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 1, where the photoconductive material is evaporated on the mold impression.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of abrading said optical fiber by spraying powdered abrasive material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said photoconductive material is cadmium selenide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising applying electrical leads to said optical fiber by evaporation onto said optical fiber of a conductive deposit of gold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising winding said optical fiber around a cylinder, providing a mold impression having spiral grooves which engage with said optical fiber wound around said cylinder, joining said abraded optical fiber with the face of photoconductive material coated on said mold impression, said optical fiber having been painted with soft resin to form a support layer on its winding, and cutting said optical fiber and said support layer axially along the surface of said cylinder to form a photoelectrically converting optical fiber ribbon provided with plural pieces of parallel fibers.