Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – With alignment device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-08
2001-05-22
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
With alignment device
C385S043000, C385S088000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236787
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of optical devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for aligning optical fibers using an alignment spacer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Optical fibers transmit information in the form of light pulses. When optical fibers are coupled to optical switches, photodetectors, other optical fibers, or any other optical devices, some of the transmitted light may be lost if the optical fiber mounts to the optical device in a position and at an angle that fails to capture the maximum illuminance of the transmitted light. One approach to solve this problem attempts to use a silicon chip having etched “V” shaped grooves and predetermined center-to-center spacings to position and mount the fibers to an optical device. Drawbacks to this approach are that the “V” shaped grooves cannot accurately position fibers in a two-dimensional array and may not be able to tolerate close spacings for the fibers. Another approach attempts to position and mount a bundle of fibers that are stacked in a two-dimensional honeycomb configuration. A drawback to this approach is that the position of each fiber is difficult to control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for aligning optical fibers using an alignment spacer is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previous techniques.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for aligning an optical fiber includes an alignment spacer having a tapered alignment hole to receive an optical fiber. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for aligning an optical fiber that includes forming a tapered alignment hole in an alignment spacer and positioning an optical fiber in the tapered alignment hole. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber is positioned in the tapered alignment hole of the alignment spacer such that the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the alignment hole. In still another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for aligning multiple optical fibers includes an alignment spacer having multiple tapered alignment holes arranged in two dimensions. Each tapered alignment hole receives an associated optical fiber.
Technical advantages of the present invention include an alignment spacer that aligns multiple optical fibers arranged in two dimensions. By tapering an alignment hole of the alignment spacer, an optical fiber may be accurately positioned in the alignment hole such that the longitudinal axis of the fiber core is aligned with the center of the tapered alignment hole. The fiber may be inserted in the alignment hole beyond the spacer until a proper fit is maintained. The extending portion of the fiber is then removed to facilitate mounting to an optical device. The alignment spacer and the aligned optical fibers mount to optical switches, lenses, other optical fibers, or any other suitable optical device. In one embodiment, the optical fiber is also tapered at one end to resist tipping in the tapered alignment hole and to create a stronger, more accurate fit between the optical fiber and the tapered alignment hole. In another embodiment, a bonding material (e.g., epoxy, glue, cement, adhesive) is disposed between the optical fiber and the tapered alignment hole to strengthen the fit between and maintain the position of the optical fiber in the tapered alignment hole.
Further technical advantages of the present invention include an apparatus that mounts optical fibers to an optical device in a particular output displacement in response to the input angle of an optical signal and at a particular output angle in response to the input displacement of the optical signal. Mounting optical fibers in these positions and angles allows each fiber to capture substantially all of the illuminance of the corresponding optical signal as it exits the optical device. The apparatus further mounts an optical fiber to an optical device in a particular input displacement and at a particular input angle. The optical signal emitted by the optical fiber is characterized by an output angle in response to the input displacement of the optical fiber, and an output displacement in response to the input angle of the optical fiber. By controlling input displacement and input angle of the optical fiber mounted to the optical device, the output angle and output displacement of the emitted optical signal may be tuned.
Still further technical advantages of the present invention include an optical apparatus that includes a lens having a first face coupled to an optical fiber and a second face angled with respect to the first face to direct reflections generated at the second face away from the optical fiber. In one embodiment, multiple optical fibers are coupled to the first face of the lens. By angling the second face of the lens with respect to the first face, the optical apparatus directs reflections generated at the second face away from the multiple optical fibers to reduce cross-talk among the optical fibers. In another embodiment, the optical apparatus includes one or more optical fibers coupled to a second lens. The second lens removably couples to the first lens to facilitate full duplex transmission between the optical fibers coupled to the first lens and the optical fibers coupled to the second lens.
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Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Boutsikaris Leo
Optical Switch Corporation
Spyrou Cassandra
LandOfFree
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