US4474429A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Affixing an optical fiber to an optical device
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corp
•
Filing: 1982-03-04
•
Granted: 1984-10-02
•
Expires: 2002-03-04
Abstract
Abstract The invention comprises a method for coupling an optical fiber to an optical device. Ends of optical fibers are ion polished. Micro-manipulators are used to position the polished end in abutting relationship with the optical device. A liquid which contains glass constituents is used to coat the junction of the optical fiber and the optical device. The liquid is subjected to a temperature cycle which fuses the glass constituents to the optical fiber and to the optical device.
Inventors
- 👤 Bulent E. Yoldas
- 👤 Eugene G. Vaerewyck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:36
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/245; G02B6/26; G02B6/30; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4203
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of coupling a single mode optical fiber to an optical waveguide; including the steps of: (a) tapering the cladding and core of said single mode optical fiber; (b) polishing the end of said core; (c) coating the tapered portion of said cladding with an optically opaque layer; (d) positioning said polished end of said core in abutting relationship to an end of said optical waveguide; (e) coating the junction of said polished end of said optical fiber with said end of said optical waveguide with a liquid including glass constituents, said liquid wetting said polished end and said optical device and substantially filling the area between said polished end and said optical device; (f) subjecting said liquid to a temperature cycle which causes said glass constituents to pyrolize and fuse to said polished end of said optical fiber and to said end of said waveguide.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of coupling a single mode optical fiber to an optical waveguide; including the steps of: (a) tapering the cladding and core of said single mode optical fiber; (b) polishing the end of said core; (c) coating the tapered portion of said cladding with an optically opaque layer; (d) positioning said polished end of said core in abutting relationship to an end of said optical waveguide; (e) coating the junction of said polished end of said optical fiber with said end of said optical waveguide with a liquid including glass constituents, said liquid wetting said polished end and said optical device and substantially filling the area between said polished end and said optical device; (f) subjecting said liquid to a temperature cycle which causes said glass constituents to pyrolize and fuse to said polished end of said optical fiber and to said end of said waveguide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of coupling a single mode optical fiber to an optical waveguide in accordance with claim 1 wherein said opaque layer is formed by depositing a metal on said tapered portion of said cladding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said glass constituents are substantially derived from metal organic compounds and alkoxides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said glass has an index of refraction selected to increase the optical coupling between said optical fiber and said optical waveguide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the said liquid containing glass constituents is prepared by chemical polymerization of glass constituents.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein the constituents of said glass are selected to produce a glass having a thermal coefficient of expansion which reduces stresses due to temperature changes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said optical waveguide is formed in a lithium niobate substrate with the crystalline axis of said substrate oriented to reduce stresses in said optical fiber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said lithium niobate substrate is oriented to have its lowest thermal expansion coefficient in a direction parallel to the optical axis of said optical fiber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein said liquid is subjected to a temperature in the range of 400° to 700° C. during said temperature cycle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3548189A
Cited
JPS5421353A
Cited
JPS554021A
Cited
US4273445A
Cited
US4340272A
Cited
US4370192A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-02 | 1988-04-02 | 1988-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-02 | 1992-04-02 | 1992-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-02 | 1996-04-02 | 1996-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |