Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Particular coupling structure
Patent
1997-12-08
2000-04-11
Palmer, Phan T. H.
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Particular coupling structure
385 46, 385 43, 385 50, 65385, G02B 626
Patent
active
060496452
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides fiber optic couplers for use with at least three optic fibers. The optic fibers arranged in a linear array, that is, the optic fibers are coupled side by side. The fibers along either end of the linear-array are coupled only to a single fiber, while the remaining fibers are generally coupled between only two adjacent fibers. Generally, at least one of the fibers has a propagation constant different that the other fibers. Such variations in the propagation constant are used to vary the coupling coefficients among the fibers of the linear-array, thereby providing a repeatable mechanism, to vary coupled power ratios among the fibers of the coupler. Theoretical calculations and empirical experience have shown that varying the propagation constant of fibers among a linear-array, generally by pre-pulling the fibers by varying amounts, allows repeatable manufacturing of 1.times.3, 1.times.4, 4.thrfore.3, 1.times.N and even N.times.N fiber couplers having even coupled power ratios.
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Ko Yu-Li
Pan Jing-Jong
Shih Ming
Wu Weiti
Yu Donna S.
E-Tek Dynamics, Inc.
Palmer Phan T. H.
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