WO1998013711B1 - Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiber - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiberInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998013711B1 WO1998013711B1 PCT/US1997/016275 US9716275W WO9813711B1 WO 1998013711 B1 WO1998013711 B1 WO 1998013711B1 US 9716275 W US9716275 W US 9716275W WO 9813711 B1 WO9813711 B1 WO 9813711B1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- optical fiber
- optical
- energy
- coupling ratio
- controlling
- Prior art date
Links
Abstract
A new method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties is provided. The method includes the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of applying energy to heat at least one region of at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device using at least one energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom, resulting in the deformation of the heated at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device, and monitoring at least one of the optical properties of the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device. The method also includes the steps of controlling at least one of the energy and the shaping or deforming, responsive to the monitoring step prior to completion of the method, and producing the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to the controlling step.
Claims
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 28 July 1998 (28.07.98); original claim 6 cancelled; original claims 1, 14-18 amended; new claims 25-27 added; remaining claims unchanged (7 pages)]
1. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) applying energy to heat at least one region of at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device using at least one energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom;
(b) stretching the heated at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device using at least one stretching rate;
(c) monitoring at least one of the optical properties of the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device, the at least one of the optical properties including a coupling ratio;
(d) dynamically controlling at least one of the energy and the at least one stretching rate, responsive to said monitoring step (c) prior to completion of said method; and
(e) producing the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to said controlling step (d).
2. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of selectively modifying at least one of the energy and the stretching rate responsive to at least one prescribed optical property.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step (d) further comprises the step of variably controlling the energy to the at least one region using the at least one energy source.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said controlling step (d) further comprises the step of variably controlling the energy to the at least one region by moving the at least one energy source closer to, or further from, the at least one region.
19
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step (d) further comprises the step of withdrawing the energy to the at least one region using the at least one energy source.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said controlling step (d) further comprises the step of variably controlling the energy and the stretching rate responsive to a change in the coupling ratio.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying step (a) further comprises the step of applying the energy by moving or applying the at least one energy source axially along the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step (d) further comprises the step of variably controlling the at least one stretching rate.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method minimizes at least one of microscopic fractures and/or stress in the at least one optic fiber or optical fiber device.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said applying step (a) applies the energy to heat the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device substantially to about an anneal range or softening range, and wherein said stretching step (b) stretches the heated at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device substantially at about the anneal range.
20
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said producing step (e) further comprises the step of producing the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device including at least one of a wavelength division multiplexer, a wideband fiber optic coupler, a coupler, a switch, a filter, an attenuator, a polarizer, and a waveguide, responsive to said controlling step (d).
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber device comprises at least one of a wavelength division multiplexer, a wideband fiber optic coupler, a coupler, a switch, a filter, an attenuator, a polarizer having the energy applied thereto in said applying step (a).
14. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) applying energy to heat a region of an optical fiber or optical fiber device using an energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom;
(b) deforming or shaping the heated optical fiber or optical fiber device at a stretching rate;
(c) dynamically monitoring an optical property of the optical fiber or optical fiber device, the optical property including a coupling ratio;
(d) controlling at least one of the energy and the stretching rate, responsive to said monitoring step (c) prior to completion of said method; and
(e) producing the optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to said controlling step (d).
21
15. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) applying energy to heat a region of an optical fiber or optical fiber device using an energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom;
(b) deforming or shaping the heated optical fiber or optical fiber device at a stretching rate;
(c) monitoring an optical property of the optical fiber or optical fiber device, the optical property including a coupling ratio;
(d) dynamically, variably controlling at least one of the energy and the stretching rate, responsive to said monitoring step (c); and
(e) producing the optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to said controlling step (d).
16. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) placing first and second optical fibers next to each other at a region;
(b) applying energy to heat the first and second optical fibers at a region using an energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom;
(c) stretching the heated first and second optical fibers at a stretching rate;
(d) monitoring at least one optical property of the first and second optical fibers, the at least one optical property including a coupling ratio;
(e) dynamically controlling at least one of the energy and the stretching rate, responsive to said monitoring step (d) prior to completion of said method; and
(f) producing a substantially joined region between the first and second optical fibers to form the fiber optic device responsive to said controlling step (e).
22
17. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) applying energy to heat at least one region of at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device using at least one energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom;
(b) at least one of shaping and deforming the heated at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device;
(c) monitoring at least one of the optical properties of the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device, the at least one of the optical properties including a coupling ratio;
(d) dynamically controlling at least one of the energy and the shaping or deforming rate, responsive to said monitoring step (c) prior to completion of said method; and
(e) producing the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to said controlling step (d).
18. A method of forming a fiber optic device having optical properties, comprising the sequential, substantially simultaneous or sequence independent steps of:
(a) applying energy to heat at least one region of at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device using at least one energy source positioned a predetermined distance therefrom, resulting in the deformation of the heated at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device;
(b) monitoring at least one of the optical properties of the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device, the at least one of the optical properties including a coupling ratio;
(c) dynamically controlling at least one of the energy and the shaping or deforming rate, responsive to said monitoring step (b) prior to completion of said method; and
(d) producing the at least one optical fiber or optical fiber device responsive to said controlling step (c).
23
19. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 1.
20. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 14.
21. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 15.
22. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 16.
23. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 17.
24. An optical fiber or optical fiber device produced in accordance with the process of claim 18.
25. A method of forming a fiber optic device from first and second optical fibers contacting each other at a region, comprising the sequential or non-sequential steps of: providing incident heat on the first and second optical fibers at the region; pulling the heated first and second optical fibers at a first velocity at a variable tension; monitoring a change of a coupling ratio between the first and second optical fibers; dynamically reducing the provided incident heat on the first and second optical fibers or dynamically adjusting the first velocity when the change in the coupling ratio is detected between the first and second optical fibers; and selectively repeating at least one of said reducing step and said adjusting step when the change in the coupling ratio is detected.
24
26. A method of forming a fiber optic device from first and second optical fibers contacting each other at a region, comprising the sequential or non-sequential steps of: providing incident heat on the first and second optical fibers at the region; pulling the heated first and second optical fibers at a velocity under a variable tension; monitoring a change of a coupling ratio between the first and second optical fibers, the change in the coupling ratio varying between an initial coupling ratio and a desired coupling ratio; dynamically reducing the provided incident heat on the first and second optical fibers or dynamically adjusting the velocity when the change in the coupling ratio is detected between the first and second optical fibers at any coupling ratio value between the initial coupling ratio to the desired coupling ratio; and dynamically and selectively repeating at least one of said reducing step and said adjusting step when the change in the coupling ratio is detected at any coupling ratio value betwee the initial coupling ratio to the desired coupling ratio.
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the change in coupling ratio comprises at least a substantial change in the coupling ratio.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002266621A CA2266621A1 (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiber |
| IL12916197A IL129161A0 (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deformation of an optic fiber |
| AU44153/97A AU4415397A (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiber |
| EP97942462A EP0928432A2 (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiber |
| JP10515696A JP2000514208A (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deformation of optical fibers |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US71872796A | 1996-09-24 | 1996-09-24 | |
| US4087597P | 1997-03-21 | 1997-03-21 | |
| US83319997A | 1997-04-14 | 1997-04-14 | |
| US08/833,199 | 1997-04-14 | ||
| US08/718,727 | 1997-04-14 | ||
| US60/040,875 | 1997-07-22 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1998013711A2 WO1998013711A2 (en) | 1998-04-02 |
| WO1998013711A3 WO1998013711A3 (en) | 1998-07-16 |
| WO1998013711B1 true WO1998013711B1 (en) | 1998-09-11 |
Family
ID=27365803
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1997/016275 WO1998013711A2 (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1997-09-12 | Apparatus and method for controlled heating and deforming of an optic fiber |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0928432A2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000514208A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20000048596A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4415397A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2266621A1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL129161A0 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW353147B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998013711A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2289962C (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2006-01-17 | Itf Optical Technologies Inc.-Technologies Optiques Itf Inc. | Fabrication of multiplexing and demultiplexing single-mode fiber optic couplers |
| CN116594114B (en) * | 2023-05-19 | 2024-02-09 | 北京工业大学 | Laser heating optical fiber fusion tapering method and tapering system thereof |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5727211A (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1982-02-13 | Fujitsu Ltd | Fiber mode scrambler |
| US4426215A (en) * | 1981-10-07 | 1984-01-17 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Method of fabricating a low loss fused biconical taper fiber optic coupler |
| US4396409A (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1983-08-02 | Corning Glass Works | Method of improving fatigue resistance of optical fibers |
| DE3224518A1 (en) * | 1982-07-01 | 1984-01-05 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | OPTICAL COUPLER |
| US4763272A (en) * | 1987-03-29 | 1988-08-09 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Automated and computer controlled precision method of fused elongated optical fiber coupler fabrication |
| CA1308937C (en) * | 1988-01-11 | 1992-10-20 | Francois Bilodeau | Fabrication technique for low-loss fused taper directional couplers and pressure sensor produced thereby |
| US5046804A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1991-09-10 | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. | Method for manufacturing a fiber type coupler |
| US5058979A (en) * | 1989-06-22 | 1991-10-22 | Fujikura Ltd. | Optical fiber coupler and a fabrication method for the same |
| JPH03107107A (en) * | 1989-09-20 | 1991-05-07 | Japan Aviation Electron Ind Ltd | Wide-band optical fiber coupler and production thereof |
| NL9002537A (en) * | 1990-11-21 | 1992-06-16 | Nederland Ptt | REFLECTION-FREE OPTICAL CLOSING ELEMENT. |
| JPH055815A (en) * | 1991-02-19 | 1993-01-14 | Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd | Production of optical fiber coupler |
| JP2704333B2 (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1998-01-26 | 株式会社精工技研 | Optical attenuation fiber and manufacturing method thereof |
| US5216731A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1993-06-01 | Center For Innovative Technology | Fused biconical taper fiber optic coupler station and fabrication techniques |
| IT1255154B (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1995-10-20 | Sirti Spa | PROCEDURE FOR THE MELTING OF AN ATTENUATOR FOR OPTICAL SIGNALS |
| JP3049697B2 (en) * | 1992-07-29 | 2000-06-05 | 住友電気工業株式会社 | Mode field diameter conversion fiber |
| US5620494A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1997-04-15 | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. | Method for manufacturing optical fiber coupler |
-
1997
- 1997-09-12 EP EP97942462A patent/EP0928432A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-09-12 WO PCT/US1997/016275 patent/WO1998013711A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-09-12 JP JP10515696A patent/JP2000514208A/en active Pending
- 1997-09-12 KR KR1019990702530A patent/KR20000048596A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-09-12 CA CA002266621A patent/CA2266621A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-09-12 AU AU44153/97A patent/AU4415397A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-09-12 IL IL12916197A patent/IL129161A0/en unknown
- 1997-09-23 TW TW086113862A patent/TW353147B/en active
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