Fiber optic coupling apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. A method for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising the steps of:
- forming the input optical fiber to include a length of beam expanded fiber;
arranging the plurality of output optical fibers in an array;
arranging an analog motor for moving an end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the length of beam expanded fiber into the selected output optical fiber;
controlling the analog motor with a position control apparatus that includes a feedback loop for to continuously adjust the alignment of the input optical fiber and the selected output optical fiber to provide maximum coupling of light from the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber.
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Abstract
A method for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers includes the steps of forming the input optical fiber to include a length of beam expanded fiber, arranging the plurality of output optical fibers in an array and moving an end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the plurality of output optical fibers.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising the steps of:
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forming the input optical fiber to include a length of beam expanded fiber; arranging the plurality of output optical fibers in an array; arranging an analog motor for moving an end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the length of beam expanded fiber into the selected output optical fiber; controlling the analog motor with a position control apparatus that includes a feedback loop for to continuously adjust the alignment of the input optical fiber and the selected output optical fiber to provide maximum coupling of light from the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising:
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an expanded core portion having an expanded diameter formed in the input optical fiber adjacent an end thereof such that light propagates in the input optical fiber from a normal core portion to the expanded core portion for extraction from the input optical fiber; a frame arranged to hold the plurality of output optical fibers in an array such that the output optical fibers have exposed ends; an analog motor arranged for moving the end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the ends of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the expanded diameter core portion of the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber; and a position control apparatus that includes a feedback loop for controlling the analog motor to continuously adjust the alignment of the input optical fiber and the selected output optical fiber to provide maximum coupling of light from the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. Apparatus for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising:
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an expanded core portion having an expanded diameter formed in the input optical fiber adjacent an end thereof such that light propagates in the input optical fiber from a normal core portion to the expanded core portion for extraction from the input optical fiber; a frame arranged to hold the plurality of output optical fibers in an array such that the output optical fibers have exposed ends; apparatus for moving the end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the ends of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the expanded diameter core portion of the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber; apparatus for detecting the position of the end of the input optical fiber; apparatus for comparing the detected position of the end of the input optical fiber to the selected position to form an error signal; and apparatus for adjusting the position of the end of the input optical fiber to minimize the error signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. Apparatus for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising:
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an expanded core portion having an expanded diameter formed in the input optical fiber adjacent an end thereof such that light propagates in the input optical fiber from a normal core portion to the expanded core portion for extraction from the input optical fiber; a frame arranged to hold the plurality of output optical fibers in an array such that the output optical fibers have exposed ends; apparatus for moving the end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the ends of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the expanded diameter core portion of the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber; wherein the input optical fiber;
includes;a single mode optical fiber; and a first end of a length of a step-index multimode fiber coupled to an end of the single mode fiber to receive a light beam therefrom such that the light beam has a diameter that expands to the core diameter of the multimode fiber.
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22. Apparatus for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers, comprising:
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an expanded core portion having an expanded diameter formed in the input optical fiber adjacent an end thereof such that light propagates in the input optical fiber from a normal core portion to the expanded core portion for extraction from the input optical fiber; a frame arranged to hold the plurality of output optical fibers in an array such that the output optical fibers have exposed ends; apparatus for moving the end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the ends of the plurality of output optical fibers so that light may be directly coupled from the expanded diameter core portion of the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fiber; wherein the input optical fiber includes;
a single mode optical fiber; anda first end of a length of a graded-index multimode fiber coupled to an end of the single mode fiber to receive a light beam therefrom such that the light beam has a diameter that expands to the core diameter of the multimode fiber. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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24. Apparatus for coupling light from an end of an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers having ends arranged to form a generally planar array, comprising:
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a first motor having a first output shaft; a connecting link having a first end connected to the first output shaft; a second motor connected to a second end of the connecting link, the second motor including a second output shaft; a rod mounted to the second output shaft, the input optical fiber being connected to the rod such that rotation of the first and second output shafts moves the end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the plurality or output optical fibers; and a position control apparatus that includes a feedback loop for controlling the first and second motors to continuously adjust the alignment of the input optical fiber and the selected output optical fiber to provide maximum coupling of light from the input optical fiber into the selected output optical fibers. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification