Optical fiber attenuator device using an elastomeric attenuator member
First Claim
1. An improved low reflectance compression connection system of an optical communications device, the improvement comprising a separable attenuator member fabricated of an elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations for insertion adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the compression connection system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved optical fiber connection system comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers are particularly preferred for fabricating attenuator elements as they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions. Preferably, a disc-like attenuator element is punch-cut from a sheet of a silicone elastomer and inserted into the sleeve of an optical connector apparatus adjacent the end portion of an optical fiber to provide a simplified method of fabrication. Alternatively, the silicone attenuator element may be fabricated by liquid injection molding technology. The approximate reflectance of the inventive silicone attenuators at wavelengths of about 1310 nm measured at 23° C. is less than -50 dB.
78 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. An improved low reflectance compression connection system of an optical communications device, the improvement comprising a separable attenuator member fabricated of an elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations for insertion adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the compression connection system.
- 9. An improved low-reflectance separable optical attenuator member for use in contacting the end-portion of an optical fiber in a compression connection system, the end portion of the fiber being held in a cylindrical ferrule of an optical connector, the optical attenuator member being of the type having a longitudinal axis disposed along the transmission path of the optical fiber, having a solid portion for a predetermined distance `d` along the longitudinal axis, and having an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising the end face of the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material and configured for removable placement adjacent the end portion of the fiber whereby the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations when the end face of the fiber is compressed against the attenuator.
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14. An improved optical fiber connecting system having provisions for attenuation with low reflectance to the system, the connecting system being of the type comprising a first plug connecting one optical fiber;
- a second plug connecting another optical fiber;
a sleeve adapted to receive one of the plugs in each end thereof, and an attenuating member comprising a plate-like portion made of a material having an index of refraction substantially equal to the index of refraction of the optical fiber core, the member being engaged between each of the plugs when the plugs are seated in the sleeve, wherein the improvement comprises the attenuator member being a separable member fabricated with an elastomeric material so that the attenuator member is resistant to permanent surface deformations. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
- a second plug connecting another optical fiber;
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17. A method of attenuating a signal within an optical fiber compression connection system of an optical communications device, the method comprising the steps of
(a) providing a separable disc-shaped attenuator member comprising (i) providing a sheet of a cured silicone elastomer; -
(ii) punch cutting a disc-shaped member from the sheet of silicone elastomer; and (b) inserting the disc-shaped member into the sleeve of an optical connection system so that the member is positioned adjacent the end face of an optical fiber of the connection system to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. An improved low-reflectance termination system for use in terminating an optical signal transmitted along an optical fiber, the termination system being of the type comprising an attenuating member for absorbing or scattering the incident radiation, the improvement comprising the attenuator member being a separable piece for insertion adjacent the end portion of the optical fiber and fabricated of an inherently elastomeric material resistant to permanent surface deformations to provide a reflectance lower than the power level of the incident optical signal by at least about 50 dB.
Specification