US4264126A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber-to-fiber evanescent field coupler
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-02-14
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Granted: 1981-04-28
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Expires: 1999-02-14
Abstract
Abstract A single-mode or multimode, optical, fiber-to-fiber coupler which couples such fibers together so that an optical beam guided by one fiber is coupled to the other fiber through evanescent field coupling. In coupling fibers together, the plastic coating is removed along a desired length of each fiber. The fibers are twisted or braided together and cladding is etched to a desired diameter in a suitable housing. After etching, the etchant is drained and the fibers and inside of the housing are cleaned by any suitable cleaning solution. Subsequent to cleaning, the housing is filled with a solution or material which has an index of refraction which is less than that of the core. It has been determined that coupling efficiency can be controlled simply by adusting the tension of the coupling fibers.
Inventors
- 👤 Sang K. Sheem
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/245; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2821; G02B6/2826; G02B6/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A fiber-to-fiber coupler for coupling the evanescent field of adjacent optical fibers which fibers include a core and surrounding cladding which has an index of refraction less than that of the core comprising: a housing including a chamber with openings communicating to the outside thereof; a pair of the openings located on generally opposite portions of the housing; said pair of openings sealingly receiving therethrough plural optical fibers which extend in adjacency through the chamber; that portion of the optical fibers which extend through the chamber having had a substantial thickness of the surrounding cladding removed; adjustable cap means provided on the housing around the openings and receiving the cladded fibers therethrough; said adjustable cap means adapted to be twisted to twist about each other the optical fiber portions which extend through the chamber to adjust their tension and adjacency for controlling optical coupling; said chamber filled with an optical material surrounding the optical fibers and having an index of refraction slightly less than that of the core whereby the evanescent field is coupled through the reduced thickness cladding from one core to the other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A fiber-to-fiber coupler for coupling the evanescent field of adjacent optical fibers which fibers include a core and surrounding cladding which has an index of refraction less than that of the core comprising: a housing including a chamber with openings communicating to the outside thereof; a pair of the openings located on generally opposite portions of the housing; said pair of openings sealingly receiving therethrough plural optical fibers which extend in adjacency through the chamber; that portion of the optical fibers which extend through the chamber having had a substantial thickness of the surrounding cladding removed; adjustable cap means provided on the housing around the openings and receiving the cladded fibers therethrough; said adjustable cap means adapted to be twisted to twist about each other the optical fiber portions which extend through the chamber to adjust their tension and adjacency for controlling optical coupling; said chamber filled with an optical material surrounding the optical fibers and having an index of refraction slightly less than that of the core whereby the evanescent field is coupled through the reduced thickness cladding from one core to the other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein the adjustable cap means and housing adjacent the opening are connected by mating helical threading.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention according to claim 2 wherein the cap means when twisted both twists the optical fibers about each other and moves axially relative to the housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein the optical material is a liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention according to claim 4 wherein the liquid is adapted to solidify upon curing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention according to claim 1, 5 or 6 wherein the openings include additional openings in communication with the chamber through which the optical material is admitted to the chamber.
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) | 1984-04-27 | 1984-10-27 | 1985-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-04-27 | 1988-10-27 | 1989-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-04-27 | 1992-10-27 | 1993-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |