US5652819A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for tuning fiber optic couplers and multiplexers
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1995-08-09
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Granted: 1997-07-29
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Expires: 2015-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A method for tuning fiber optic coupler and wavelength division multiplexer devices comprises the steps of fusing optical fibers having a refractive index responsive to ultraviolet radiation to form a coupling region having a coupling ratio dependent upon the refractive index, and subjecting the coupling region to ultraviolet radiation to adjust the coupling ratio to a predetermined value at a given operating wavelength.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Orazi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:31
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/293; G02B6/29331; G02B6/29332; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2821; G02B6/2826; G02B6/283; G02B6/2835
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for adjusting the coupling ratio of a fiber optic device comprising fused optical fibers having a refractive index responsive to ultraviolet radiation comprising the step of irradiating a portion of a coupling region of said fused optical fibers with said ultraviolet radiation to change said index of refraction substantially uniformly over said portion of said coupling region until said coupling ratio attains a predetermined value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for adjusting the coupling ratio of a fiber optic device comprising fused optical fibers having a refractive index responsive to ultraviolet radiation comprising the step of irradiating a portion of a coupling region of said fused optical fibers with said ultraviolet radiation to change said index of refraction substantially uniformly over said portion of said coupling region until said coupling ratio attains a predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of introducing dopant atoms into said coupling region.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said dopant atoms comprise hydrogen atoms.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of elongating said coupling region over a number of power transfer cycles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 350 nm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said ultraviolet radiation is substantially confined to said portion of said coupling region by lenses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said ultraviolet radiation comprises a series of pulses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said ultraviolet radiation comprises a continuous pulse.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising a source of said ultraviolet radiation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of packaging said fiber optic device.
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) | 2000-07-28 | 2001-01-27 | 2001-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-07-28 | 2005-01-27 | 2005-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-07-28 | 2009-01-27 | 2009-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |