US4643519A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wavelength division optical multiplexer/demultiplexer
Assignee: U S Holding Co Inc
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Filing: 1986-06-12
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Granted: 1987-02-17
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Expires: 2006-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A wavelength division multiplexing or demultiplexing optical coupler of the diffraction grating type includes a pure fused silica optical element having a convex spherical surface on one end and a diffraction grating on a portion of its other end. The remaining portion of its other end receives a multiple fiber array for transmitting and receiving the light to be multiplexed or demultiplexed.
Inventors
- 👤 Anne B. Bussard
- 👤 Robert E. Pulfrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:55
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/293; G02B6/29304; G02B6/29305; G02B6/29307; G02B6/2931; G02B6/29379; G02B6/2938
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An optical coupler comprising an elongated optical component formed of light transmitting material, one end of said component having a convex surface coated with a light reflecting material whereby said convex surface is a light reflecting surface and the other end having a generally planar surface, one portion of said planar surface having a diffraction grating formed thereon and the remaining portion having a section for receiving a multiple fiber array, said planar surface and said convex surface being arranged so that said planar surface is perpendicular to the optical axis of said component and said convex surface is decentered with respect to said axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
An optical coupler comprising an elongated optical component formed of light transmitting material, one end of said component having a convex surface coated with a light reflecting material whereby said convex surface is a light reflecting surface and the other end having a generally planar surface, one portion of said planar surface having a diffraction grating formed thereon and the remaining portion having a section for receiving a multiple fiber array, said planar surface and said convex surface being arranged so that said planar surface is perpendicular to the optical axis of said component and said convex surface is decentered with respect to said axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein the one portion of the planar surface is coated with a light reflecting material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1, wherein said optical component is formed of a material having a generally uniform index of refraction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said optical component is formed of glass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein the other surfaces of said optical component have a ground glass finish and are coated with materials that enhance their light trapping ability.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said optical component is a single member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said optical component is two blocks of material joined together by an epoxy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one portion of said planar surface includes a resin coating in which said diffraction grating is replicated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein the path of light emitted from a multiple fiber array to said convex surface is approximately equal to the focal length of said convex surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said convex surface is spherical.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
An optical coupler in accordance with claim 1 wherein said convex surface is decentered such that said planar surface is effectively inclined with respect to said convex surface to an angle approximately equal to one-half (1/2) the grating incidence angle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-16 | 1990-08-18 | 1991-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-16 | 1994-08-18 | 1995-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-16 | 1998-08-18 | 1999-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |