Patent US5694512A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5694512A
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Compact tunable wavelength independent all-fiber optical attenuator and method of making same
Assignee: FCI Connectors Canada Inc
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Filing: 1996-07-09
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Granted: 1997-12-02
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Expires: 2016-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A compact, tunable, wavelength independent, all-fiber attenuator is produced by heating a single-mode fiber to create at least one taper therein through capillarity rather than through pulling, pushing or twisting the fiber. The attenuator may be tuned to achieve the desired value of attenuation and wavelength independence by imparting a small bend to the taper. The attenuator may be a fixed value attenuator or a variable attenuator. When a fixed value attenuator is desired, the tapered and bent structure is encapsulated in an adhesive and glued onto a substrate.
Inventors
- 👤 François Gonthier
- 👤 Robert G. Files
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/264; G02B6/266; G02B6/255; G02B6/2552
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
41 words
Method of making a compact, tunable, wavelength independent all-fiber optical attenuator which comprises heating a single-mode fiber so as to produce at least one taper therein by displacement of viscous glass through capillarity, until a desired value of attenuation is achieved.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
Method of making a compact, tunable, wavelength independent all-fiber optical attenuator which comprises heating a single-mode fiber so as to produce at least one taper therein by displacement of viscous glass through capillarity, until a desired value of attenuation is achieved.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
Method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of tapers are produced by successive heating steps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
Method according to claim 1, further comprising tuning the attenuator by imparting a small bend to the taper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Method according to claim 3, wherein the bend is imparted by pushing on the fiber and thus compressing the taper, until a predetermined attenuation value and wavelength independence are achieved.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
Method according to claim 4, wherein the attenuator is encapsulated in an adhesive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Method according to claim 5, wherein the attenuator is further mounted on a suitable substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Method according to claim 4, further comprising packaging the attenuator so as to allow varied bending, thereby producing a variable attenuator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the small bend imparted is less than 10 degrees.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the step of tuning makes the attenuator insensitive over a wavelength range of 1200 to 1600 nanometers.
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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) | 2000-12-01 | 2001-06-02 | 2001-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-06-02 | 2005-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-12-01 | 2009-06-02 | 2009-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |