US5100507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Finishing techniques for lensed optical fibers
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1991-01-31
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Granted: 1992-03-31
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Expires: 2011-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A method is disclosed for processing an optical fiber to include an integral lens and a metallized outer coating. The fiber is first etched to include a tapered transition region and a thinned end region. The etched fiber is subsequently metallized and covered with a protective coating. A wet chemical etching technique is used to form an integral lens over the endface of the fiber. The protective coating is then stripped and any free metal is removed. The method allows for the fiber metallization to be in relative close proximity to the lens such that the fiber may be soldered into place near its endface, limiting any subsequent movement of the fiber relative to the aligned optical device.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark B. Cholewa
- 👤 Lee H. Fisher
- 👤 Lawrence A. Greenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:52
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/262; C; C03; C03C; C03C25/00; C03C25/10; C03C25/104; C03C25/106; C03C25/1061; C03C25/1063; C03C25/66; C03C25/68; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4203
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of processing an optical fiber comprising the steps of: a) providing a stripped optical fiber; b) etching said stripped optical fiber to form a tapered transition region and a thinned end region; c) forming a protective coating over the etched fiber; d) cleaving the fiber within the transition region so as to expose a fiber endface; e) etching the cleaved fiber of step d) so as to form an integral lens over the exposed fiber endface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of processing an optical fiber comprising the steps of: a) providing a stripped optical fiber; b) etching said stripped optical fiber to form a tapered transition region and a thinned end region; c) forming a protective coating over the etched fiber; d) cleaving the fiber within the transition region so as to expose a fiber endface; e) etching the cleaved fiber of step d) so as to form an integral lens over the exposed fiber endface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein in performing step c), a relatively thick metallic layer is used as the protective coating.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein in performing step c), a non-metallic layer is used as the protective coating.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the method comprises the further step of f) removing the protective coating.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the process further comprises the step of metallizing the etched fiber of step b) before forming the protective coating of step c).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the process comprises the further step of removing free metal exposed by the etching process of step e).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein ultrasonic cleaning is used to remove the metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization is sputter deposited onto the fiber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization is electroplated onto the fiber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization is formed utilizing chemical vapor deposition, followed by electroplating.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization comprises separate layers of titanium, platinum and gold.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization comprises separate layers of nickel and gold.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization comprises separate layers of deposited nickel, plated nickel and plated gold.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the metallization comprises gold.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein in performing step b), a hydrofluoric acid bath is used.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein in performing step e), the fiber is exposed to a combination of an etchant and a treating agent such that an integral lens is formed.
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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) | 1995-03-31 | 1995-09-30 | 1996-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-31 | 1999-09-30 | 2000-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-09-30 | 2004-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |