Coupling component for a light-waveguide

Details Coupling component for a light-waveguide Coupling component for a light-waveguide

1991-10-25

1992-11-10

Healy, Brian

Optical waveguides

With optical coupler

Particular coupling structure

385 31, 385 48, 385 89, 25022711, G02B 626, H01J 516

Patent

active

051631059

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coupling component for a light waveguide. More particularly it relates to a coupling component for a light waveguide which has a groove arranged at the circumference and a light-sensitive transmitting and/or receiving component for coupling the optical radiation in and out of the light waveguide. A coupler for a light waveguide is already known from DE-PS 26 14 051, in which a notch or groove is partially arranged at the circumference of the light waveguide. The side flanks of the groove have smooth surfaces which are reflective. A transmitting or receiving device is arranged on the side of the light waveguide opposite the groove. The radiation in the light waveguide is partially directed at the reflective surfaces of the groove to the receiver. The radiation generated by the transmitter is coupled into the light waveguide via the reflective surface in a corresponding manner. This arrangement of a coupling component requires great precision in the production of the coupling component. The cost is also considerable, since the flanks of the groove must be very smooth, flat and reflective. The coupling of the receiving and transmitting component also requires high precision, since a portion of the coupled out optical radiation is otherwise lost in the boundary layer between the light waveguide and the connected component. Since the fibers of the light waveguide are relatively thin, the coupled receiving and transmitting component can only be mechanically loaded to a very small degree. Therefore, shaking can easily lead to breakage and accordingly to a failure of the coupling component.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a coupling component of the above mentioned general type in which at least one light-sensitive receiving component and/or transmitting component is arranged in the area of the groove, a portion of the optical radiation of the light waveguide exists or enters from the groove, and the portion of the optical radiation can be tapped as electrical signal at the receiving component and an additional portion of the optical radiation can be fed to the transmitting component.
When the coupling component is designed in accordance with the present invention it the characterizing features of the main claim has the advantage over the prior art that the light-sensitive receiving and transmitting component is not arranged on the side located opposite the groove, but rather in the area of the groove. Accordingly, the coupling component is very simple to produce, since the groove can be produced without special tools and a metallization of the surfaces can be dispensed with. It is also particularly advantageous that the receiving and transmitting component comprises electrical connections by means of which the optical radiation can be tapped as an electrical signal and a signal can be coupled into the light waveguide. The handling of the coupling component is accordingly very simple and reliable.
It is particularly advantageous that the inserted groove has the shape of a cylinder segment or a wedge shape. Such grooves can be produced without special tools, e.g. with a knife. Special precision in production, particularly taking into account a determined angle, is not necessary.
Further, it is possible to adjust the coupling factor of the coupling component by means of varying the depth of the groove. With very deep grooves, the receiving and transmitting component can penetrate deeper into the light waveguide, so that the active surface of this component is enlarged. If the components are less deeply inserted into the light waveguide, the coupling factor is correspondingly lower. In this way, the coupling factor can be adjusted with simple means.
The efficiency of the coupling component can be optimized in an advantageous manner by means of changing the angle of inclination of the receiving and transmitting

REFERENCES:
patent: 4103154 (1978-07-01), d'Auria et al.
patent: 4173390 (1979-11-01), Kach
patent: 4346961 (1982-08-01), Porter
patent: 4447118 (1984-05-01), Mulkey
patent: 4516828 (1985-05-01), Steele
patent: 4765706 (1988-08-01), Marcatili et al.
patent: 4826274 (1989-05-01), Diamantstein et al.
patent: 4863229 (1989-09-01), Yasui

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Coupling component for a light-waveguide does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Coupling component for a light-waveguide, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Coupling component for a light-waveguide will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2300717