Method for and encapsulation of an optical fiber
First Claim
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1. A method of encapsulating at least a portion of a single optical fiber having a diameter of about 125 μ
- m comprising the steps of;
providing a ferrule having a bore having a diameter of substantially about 126 μ
m or less, the ferrule at least about and defining the bore comprising a material that has essentially a same coefficient of expansion, is similar to and fusible with, the optical fiber sized to fit into the bore;
inserting at least a portion of the optical fiber into the bore;
heating the ferrule sufficiently to fuse at least a portion of the optical fiber inserted into the bore with the ferrule.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and device is provided wherein a reinforcement is provided for one or more optical fibers. One or more fibers are inserted into a sleeve made of a material that is substantially the same as the material of the cladding of the one or more optical fibers. The bore of the sleeve is sized to accommodate the one or more optical fibers; After the one or more optical fibers is inserted into the sleeve sufficient heat is applied to the sleeve for a duration to collapse the sleeve onto the one or more optical fibers. Preferably, the sleeve is a glass pre-form consisting substantially of 90% or greater silica.
113 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of encapsulating at least a portion of a single optical fiber having a diameter of about 125 μ
- m comprising the steps of;
providing a ferrule having a bore having a diameter of substantially about 126 μ
m or less, the ferrule at least about and defining the bore comprising a material that has essentially a same coefficient of expansion, is similar to and fusible with, the optical fiber sized to fit into the bore;inserting at least a portion of the optical fiber into the bore; heating the ferrule sufficiently to fuse at least a portion of the optical fiber inserted into the bore with the ferrule. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
- m comprising the steps of;
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5. A method of encapsulating at least a portion of an optical fiber having an outer diameter of substantially about 125 μ
- m, comprising the steps of;
placing the optical fiber into a tube both being like materials having a substantially same coefficient of expansion, the tube having a bore extending at least partially therethrough defined by an inner wall made of a material that will fuse to the fiber upon the application of a suitable heat, the bore having a diameter of less than or equal to 127 μ
m;applying the suitable heat to the tube after placing the fiber into it to vitrify and collapse said tube onto the fiber to encapsulate and fuse a portion of optical fiber within the tube; and then, allowing the tube to cool. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- m, comprising the steps of;
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11. A reinforced optical fiber said optical fibre having an outer diameter of substantially about 125 μ
- m said reinforced fibre consisting of a sleeve a portion of which has an inner diameter of less than or about 127 μ
m prior to being collapsed the sleeve made essentially of a material that is at least similar to a clad portion of the optical fiber, the sleeve enveloping and being collapsed upon the clad portion of the optical fiber and being in optical contact therewith. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
- m said reinforced fibre consisting of a sleeve a portion of which has an inner diameter of less than or about 127 μ
Specification