Optical coupling system

Details Optical coupling system Optical coupling system

1998-02-24

2000-05-09

Palmer, Phan T. H.

Optical waveguides

With disengagable mechanical connector

Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection

385 51, 385 74, G02B 638

Patent

active

060594624

ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a coupling element for coupling between optical elements, for instance a ferrule encased fiber end and a lens, two lenses, or filter and lens assemblies, which provides a reliable joint with a determined spacing and angular orientation between them if needed. Advantageously, the coupling in accordance with the present invention does not obscure optical transmission through the coupling with an epoxy layer. A stand off element is provided which has opposite reference surfaces for joining the end faces of the optical elements and a central aperture, slot or equivalent open area for light transmission. In use the open area is aligned, for example with the fiber end and the desired port in the lens. Adhesive connection can be provided between the opposite surfaces of the stand off element and the coupling end faces of the optical elements. No epoxy is applied over the open area. Other securing methods such as external securing elements can be used. Alignment is established by the planar surfaces of the stand off element. The separation between elements can be accurately established by selecting the desired thickness between faces of the stand off element. Alternatively, the surfaces of the stand off element may be angled to compliment the surfaces of the elements, or to provide an accurate angled coupling. Loss is reduced by not transmitting light through an epoxy layer.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4767178 (1988-08-01), Sasaki et al.
patent: 4781431 (1988-11-01), Wesson et al.
patent: 5381495 (1995-01-01), Hu
patent: 5459805 (1995-10-01), Foster
patent: 5751874 (1998-05-01), Chudoba et al.
patent: 5841922 (1998-11-01), Iwatsuka et al.

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