US6097873A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical fiber attenuator device using an elastomeric attenuator member
Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1998-01-14
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Granted: 2000-08-01
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Expires: 2018-01-14
Abstract
Abstract An improved optical fiber connection system comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers are particularly preferred for fabricating attenuator elements as they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions. Preferably, a disc-like attenuator element is punch-cut from a sheet of a silicone elastomer and inserted into the sleeve of an optical connector apparatus adjacent the end portion of an optical fiber to provide a simplified method of fabrication. Alternatively, the silicone attenuator element may be fabricated by liquid injection molding technology. The approximate reflectance of the inventive silicone attenuators at wavelengths of about 1310 nm measured at 23 DEG C. is less than -50 dB.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert William Filas
- 👤 Wilton Wayt King
- 👤 William Roger Lambert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 09:07
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/27; G02B6/2746
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
An improved low reflectance compression connection system of an optical communications device, the improvement comprising a separable attenuator member fabricated of an elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations for insertion adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the compression connection system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
An improved low reflectance compression connection system of an optical communications device, the improvement comprising a separable attenuator member fabricated of an elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations for insertion adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the compression connection system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved connection system of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a silicone elastomer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improved connection system of claim 2, wherein the attenuator member is disc-shaped and disposed within a sleeve of the optical connection system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved connection system of claim 2, wherein the attenuator member has an index of refraction and a thickness so that it provides a reflectance of about -60 dB to -65 dB.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improved connection system of claim 1, wherein the separable attenuator member has a refractive index of about 1.45±0.06 at optical wavelengths of about 1300 to 1500 nm measured at about 23° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The improved connection system of claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the material comprising the attenuator member is matched to be substantially the same as the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber so that the member provides a reflectance of less than -50 dB.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A plurality of optical fibers for use in a communications device, the fibers being coupled with one or more connection systems according to claim 6.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A communications device comprising one or more connection systems according to claim 1 for connecting or terminating an optical transmission path of the communications device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
135 words
An improved low-reflectance separable optical attenuator member for use in contacting the end-portion of an optical fiber in a compression connection system, the end portion of the fiber being held in a cylindrical ferrule of an optical connector, the optical attenuator member being of the type having a longitudinal axis disposed along the transmission path of the optical fiber, having a solid portion for a predetermined distance `d` along the longitudinal axis, and having an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising the end face of the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material and configured for removable placement adjacent the end portion of the fiber whereby the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations when the end face of the fiber is compressed against the attenuator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
135 words
An improved low-reflectance separable optical attenuator member for use in contacting the end-portion of an optical fiber in a compression connection system, the end portion of the fiber being held in a cylindrical ferrule of an optical connector, the optical attenuator member being of the type having a longitudinal axis disposed along the transmission path of the optical fiber, having a solid portion for a predetermined distance `d` along the longitudinal axis, and having an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising the end face of the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material and configured for removable placement adjacent the end portion of the fiber whereby the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations when the end face of the fiber is compressed against the attenuator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improved low-reflectance attenuator of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material has a refractive index n=1.45±0.06 at optical wavelengths of about 1300 to 1500 nm measured at about 23° C.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved low-reflectance separable attenuator member of claim 9, wherein the attenuator member provides a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improved separable attenuator member of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a silicone elastomer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improved attenuator element of claim 12, wherein the separable attenuator member provides a reflectance of about -60 dB to -65 dB measured at about 1300 nm to 1500 nm and 23° C.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
124 words
An improved optical fiber connecting system having provisions for attenuation with low reflectance to the system, the connecting system being of the type comprising a first plug connecting one optical fiber; a second plug connecting another optical fiber; a sleeve adapted to receive one of the plugs in each end thereof, and an attenuating member comprising a plate-like portion made of a material having an index of refraction substantially equal to the index of refraction of the optical fiber core, the member being engaged between each of the plugs when the plugs are seated in the sleeve, wherein the improvement comprises the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material so that the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
124 words
An improved optical fiber connecting system having provisions for attenuation with low reflectance to the system, the connecting system being of the type comprising a first plug connecting one optical fiber; a second plug connecting another optical fiber; a sleeve adapted to receive one of the plugs in each end thereof, and an attenuating member comprising a plate-like portion made of a material having an index of refraction substantially equal to the index of refraction of the optical fiber core, the member being engaged between each of the plugs when the plugs are seated in the sleeve, wherein the improvement comprises the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material so that the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved connecting system of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a silicone elastomer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved connecting system of claim 15, wherein the attenuator member provides a reflectance of about -60 dB to -65 dB measured at about 1300 nm to 1500 nm and 23° C.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of attenuating a signal within an optical fiber compression connection system of an optical communications device, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a separable disc-shaped attenuator member comprising (i) providing a sheet of a cured silicone elastomer; (ii) punch cutting a disc-shaped member from the sheet of silicone elastomer; and (b) inserting the disc-shaped member into the sleeve of an optical connection system so that the member is positioned adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the connection system to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of attenuating a signal within an optical fiber compression connection system of an optical communications device, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a separable disc-shaped attenuator member comprising (i) providing a sheet of a cured silicone elastomer; (ii) punch cutting a disc-shaped member from the sheet of silicone elastomer; and (b) inserting the disc-shaped member into the sleeve of an optical connection system so that the member is positioned adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the connection system to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the step of inserting the disc-shaped member comprises pressing the sleeve of the optical connection system over the disc-shaped member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the sheet of cured silicone elastomer has an approximate thickness of from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
87 words
An improved low-reflectance termination system for use in terminating an optical signal transmitted along an optical fiber, the termination system being of the type comprising an attenuating member for absorbing or scattering the incident radiation, the improvement comprising the attenuator member being a separable piece for insertion adjacent the end portion of the optical fiber and fabricated of an inherently elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
87 words
An improved low-reflectance termination system for use in terminating an optical signal transmitted along an optical fiber, the termination system being of the type comprising an attenuating member for absorbing or scattering the incident radiation, the improvement comprising the attenuator member being a separable piece for insertion adjacent the end portion of the optical fiber and fabricated of an inherently elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
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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) | 2003-08-01 | 2004-01-31 | 2004-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-01-31 | 2008-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-01 | 2012-01-31 | 2012-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |