US3887264A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber with asymmetric index profile
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1973-05-18
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1993-05-18
Abstract
Abstract This application describes a graded-index optical fiber comprising a core having at least one planar surface that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The refractive index of the core material continuously decreases in the transverse direction from a maximum value at a point along the planar surface, to a minimum value at the other surfaces of the core. It is an advantage of this type of fiber that two sections can be spliced together by overlapping portions of their planar surfaces rather than by butt joining.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolf Kompfner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:53
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/028; G02B6/0288; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3803
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A pair of optical waveguides, each of which includes an elongated core, characterized in that: each waveguide has a region along which the core portion has at least one planar surface that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wave propagation; the refractive index of each of said core portions decreases continuously in a transverse direction from a maximum at a point along said planar surface, to a minimum at the surfaces of said core; the planar surfaces of said core portions overlap and are in contact to form a splice; and in that said overlapping core portions are surrounded by material having a refractive index that is no greater than the minimum refractive index at said core surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A pair of optical waveguides, each of which includes an elongated core, characterized in that: each waveguide has a region along which the core portion has at least one planar surface that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wave propagation; the refractive index of each of said core portions decreases continuously in a transverse direction from a maximum at a point along said planar surface, to a minimum at the surfaces of said core; the planar surfaces of said core portions overlap and are in contact to form a splice; and in that said overlapping core portions are surrounded by material having a refractive index that is no greater than the minimum refractive index at said core surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
121 words
A pair of optical waveguides, each of which includes an elongated core, characterized in that: each waveguide has a region along which the core portion has at least one planar surface that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wave propagation; the refractive index of each of said core portions decreases continuously in a transverse direction from a maximum at a point along said planar surface, to a minimum at the surfaces of said core; the planar surfaces of said core portions overlap and are in contact to form a splice; and in that said overlapping core portions are surrounded by material having a refractive index that is no greater than the minimum refractive index at said core surfaces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
121 words
A pair of optical waveguides, each of which includes an elongated core, characterized in that: each waveguide has a region along which the core portion has at least one planar surface that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wave propagation; the refractive index of each of said core portions decreases continuously in a transverse direction from a maximum at a point along said planar surface, to a minimum at the surfaces of said core; the planar surfaces of said core portions overlap and are in contact to form a splice; and in that said overlapping core portions are surrounded by material having a refractive index that is no greater than the minimum refractive index at said core surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The waveguides according to claim 1 wherein said core has a semicircular cross section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The waveguides according to claim 1 wherein said core has a rectangular cross section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The waveguides according to claim 1 wherein said core is surrounded by an outer jacket; and wherein the refractive index of the region between said core and said jacket has a lower refractive index than said core.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |