CA2278081A1 - Optical coupling system - Google Patents
Optical coupling system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2278081A1 CA2278081A1 CA 2278081 CA2278081A CA2278081A1 CA 2278081 A1 CA2278081 A1 CA 2278081A1 CA 2278081 CA2278081 CA 2278081 CA 2278081 A CA2278081 A CA 2278081A CA 2278081 A1 CA2278081 A1 CA 2278081A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- optical element
- coupling
- optical
- face
- coupling end
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/262—Optical details of coupling light into, or out of, or between fibre ends, e.g. special fibre end shapes or associated optical elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/32—Optical coupling means having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends
Abstract
The present invention relates to an optical coupling employing an optical element for direct adhesive coupling to an additional optical element. One of the optical elements includes a coupling end face adapted for mating contact with a coupling end face of the second optical element having a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled into the additional optical element in use. The present invention has found that the planar coupling end faces of the optical elements can be contoured to have an annular groove providing a barrier between a transmission window, where no adhesive disrupts the optical coupling and a peripheral securing surface for providing an adhesive join between the elements. The burner provided by the groove prevents adhesive from migrating and obscuring the transmission window. The direct coupling of planar ferrule and lens surfaces of the present invention provides the advantages of alignment and tuning control. Other optical elements such as multiple lenses, or lenses and filters etc., may also advantageously be coupled in accordance with the invention to provide reliable coupling with an unimpeded transmission area. If the surface contact means used is adhesive, such as epoxy, metal solder, glass solder, molten glass, pressure activated adhesive or the like, between the planar surfaces of the optical elements, surface tension makes it relatively easy to maintain the transmission window free of adhesive for unimpeded transmission. It is also possible to adjust the position of the elements to tune different alignment configurations.
Description
10-166CA . Patent Optical Coupling System Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical coupling system, particularly a connection system providing a reliable and uniform joint between optical elements.
Background of the Invention The most common optical connection is between an optical fibre end and a collimating lens, such as a graded index (GRIN) lens. A common coupler system to comprises a sleeve in which a fibre end within a supporting ferrule is joined to a lens by attaching the sides of the ferrule and the lens to the interior bore of the sleeve.
Manufacturing tolerances of, for instance, the lens diameter, the ferrule diameter, or the dimension and position of the bore within the ferrule, introduce variations which make this type of coupler difficult to use to achieve accurate alignment. The sleeve must have a large enough internal diameter to accommodate a ferrule or lens at its largest tolerance. As a result, smaller elements may unintentionally become tilted within the sleeve.
The fibre end within the ferrule is not always concentric. If the ferrule internal diameter is too large for the fibre, or the ferrule bore is not perfectly centered, it becomes necessary to adjust, or tune, the alignment of the fibre to the lens. Similarly, for a fibre in a non-centered port of the 2o ferrule, alignment adjustment is also necessary to achieve the correct port coupling with the lens. Alignment adjustment is limited and difficult within the confines of the coupling sleeve. Temperature changes in the environment also cause different elements in the sleeve coupler to respond differently, further affecting the quality of the coupling.
In many instances, it is preferred to have the fibre aligned at a port on the lens that is disposed adjacent to, rather than aligned with, the optical axis of the lens. This is difficult, requiring specialized ferrules and little ability to tune the alignment, within a sleeve coupler.
Another common practice is to couple an optical fibre to a lens, such as a graded-index (GRIN) lens, by placing the optical fibre into a ferrule or fibre tube and joining an end 3o face of the tube directly to a face of the lens by applying a layer of epoxy between them. A
direct ferrule to lens epoxy connection facilitates alignment of the coupled elements and t 10-166CA - Patent provides a uniform joint. The end faces of the lens and ferrule can be formed to planar surfaces reliably to prevent unwanted tilt angle at the coupling. Positioning the fibre adjacent to the optical axis of the lens is possible without the confining sleeve coupler. Also, relatively easy alignment tuning is possible to compensate for eccentric fibre positioning within the ferrule. However, index matching epoxy is not completely transparent or uniform to transmission. Transmission of light though the epoxy layer results in some loss.
A third coupling system disclosed in application No 09/028,880 filed February 24, 1998, commonly owned with the present invention comprises a stand off spacer element 1 o having a central transmission aperture. The stand off spacer permits accurate control of spacing between optical elements, and the angle of the coupling by coupling the faces of the stand off element to the coupling end faces of the optical elements. Adhesive is only applied to the stand off element, and the transmission aperture remains free of adhesive.
However, in many instances, the spacing between elements is. not only unnecessary, but causes poor coupling due to the change in focal length and the air gap between elements. A
direct connection between the optical elements which would permit tuning and be free of adhesive distortions would be preferred.
It is desired to provide a coupling system, which provides a reliable means for direct coupling between optical elements. It is further desired to provide a coupling system, which is unimpeded by transmission through an adhesive layer. It is also desired to provide a coupling system, which can accurately provide adjustment to the alignment of the coupling.
Summary of the Invention The present invention has found that the planar coupling end faces of the optical elements can be contoured to have an annular groove providing a barner between a transmission window, where no adhesive disrupts the optical coupling and a peripheral securing surface for providing an adhesive join between the elements. Surface tension 3o maintains the adhesive between the peripheral securing surface and the end face of the other ~0-166CA ~ Patent element. The barrier provided by the groove prevents adhesive from migrating and obscuring the transmission window.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises an optical element for direct adhesive coupling to an additional optical element comprising:
a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal;
a coupling end face adapted for mating contact with a coupling end face of the second optical element;
the coupling end face including a continuous groove spaced from an outside 1 o edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled into the additional optical element in use.
A further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an optical coupling t 5 comprising:
a first optical element for transmitting an optical signal having a coupling end face;
a second optical element for transmitting a signal having a coupling end face for joining to the coupling end face of the first optical element;
the coupling end faces of the first and second optical elements being substantially 2o planar surfaces adapted to meet in close fitting relationship;
the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled;
25 an adhesive join between the peripheral securing surface and the coupling end face of the second optical element.
A preferred method according to the present invention of coupling a first optical element to a second optical element for optical signal transmission through the coupling comprises the 3o steps of:
Background of the Invention The most common optical connection is between an optical fibre end and a collimating lens, such as a graded index (GRIN) lens. A common coupler system to comprises a sleeve in which a fibre end within a supporting ferrule is joined to a lens by attaching the sides of the ferrule and the lens to the interior bore of the sleeve.
Manufacturing tolerances of, for instance, the lens diameter, the ferrule diameter, or the dimension and position of the bore within the ferrule, introduce variations which make this type of coupler difficult to use to achieve accurate alignment. The sleeve must have a large enough internal diameter to accommodate a ferrule or lens at its largest tolerance. As a result, smaller elements may unintentionally become tilted within the sleeve.
The fibre end within the ferrule is not always concentric. If the ferrule internal diameter is too large for the fibre, or the ferrule bore is not perfectly centered, it becomes necessary to adjust, or tune, the alignment of the fibre to the lens. Similarly, for a fibre in a non-centered port of the 2o ferrule, alignment adjustment is also necessary to achieve the correct port coupling with the lens. Alignment adjustment is limited and difficult within the confines of the coupling sleeve. Temperature changes in the environment also cause different elements in the sleeve coupler to respond differently, further affecting the quality of the coupling.
In many instances, it is preferred to have the fibre aligned at a port on the lens that is disposed adjacent to, rather than aligned with, the optical axis of the lens. This is difficult, requiring specialized ferrules and little ability to tune the alignment, within a sleeve coupler.
Another common practice is to couple an optical fibre to a lens, such as a graded-index (GRIN) lens, by placing the optical fibre into a ferrule or fibre tube and joining an end 3o face of the tube directly to a face of the lens by applying a layer of epoxy between them. A
direct ferrule to lens epoxy connection facilitates alignment of the coupled elements and t 10-166CA - Patent provides a uniform joint. The end faces of the lens and ferrule can be formed to planar surfaces reliably to prevent unwanted tilt angle at the coupling. Positioning the fibre adjacent to the optical axis of the lens is possible without the confining sleeve coupler. Also, relatively easy alignment tuning is possible to compensate for eccentric fibre positioning within the ferrule. However, index matching epoxy is not completely transparent or uniform to transmission. Transmission of light though the epoxy layer results in some loss.
A third coupling system disclosed in application No 09/028,880 filed February 24, 1998, commonly owned with the present invention comprises a stand off spacer element 1 o having a central transmission aperture. The stand off spacer permits accurate control of spacing between optical elements, and the angle of the coupling by coupling the faces of the stand off element to the coupling end faces of the optical elements. Adhesive is only applied to the stand off element, and the transmission aperture remains free of adhesive.
However, in many instances, the spacing between elements is. not only unnecessary, but causes poor coupling due to the change in focal length and the air gap between elements. A
direct connection between the optical elements which would permit tuning and be free of adhesive distortions would be preferred.
It is desired to provide a coupling system, which provides a reliable means for direct coupling between optical elements. It is further desired to provide a coupling system, which is unimpeded by transmission through an adhesive layer. It is also desired to provide a coupling system, which can accurately provide adjustment to the alignment of the coupling.
Summary of the Invention The present invention has found that the planar coupling end faces of the optical elements can be contoured to have an annular groove providing a barner between a transmission window, where no adhesive disrupts the optical coupling and a peripheral securing surface for providing an adhesive join between the elements. Surface tension 3o maintains the adhesive between the peripheral securing surface and the end face of the other ~0-166CA ~ Patent element. The barrier provided by the groove prevents adhesive from migrating and obscuring the transmission window.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises an optical element for direct adhesive coupling to an additional optical element comprising:
a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal;
a coupling end face adapted for mating contact with a coupling end face of the second optical element;
the coupling end face including a continuous groove spaced from an outside 1 o edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled into the additional optical element in use.
A further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an optical coupling t 5 comprising:
a first optical element for transmitting an optical signal having a coupling end face;
a second optical element for transmitting a signal having a coupling end face for joining to the coupling end face of the first optical element;
the coupling end faces of the first and second optical elements being substantially 2o planar surfaces adapted to meet in close fitting relationship;
the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled;
25 an adhesive join between the peripheral securing surface and the coupling end face of the second optical element.
A preferred method according to the present invention of coupling a first optical element to a second optical element for optical signal transmission through the coupling comprises the 3o steps of:
t0-166CA ~ Patent providing a first optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face, the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window at the transmission area of the coupling end face of the first optical element;
providing a second optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face for mating with the coupling end face of the first optical element;
1 o adhesively securing the peripheral securing surface of the first optical element to the coupling end face of the second optical element; and providing tuning adjustment for aligning the transmission window of the coupling end face of the first optical element with the transmission area of the second optical element.
The direct coupling of planar ferrule and lens surfaces of the present invention provides the advantages of alignment and tuning control. Other optical elements such as multiple lenses, or lenses and filters etc., may also advantageously be coupled in accordance with the invention to provide reliable coupling with an unimpeded transmission area. If the surface contact means used is adhesive, such as epoxy, metal solder, glass solder, molten 2o glass, pressure activated adhesive or the like, between the planar surfaces of the optical elements, it is relatively easy to maintain the transmission window free of adhesive for unimpeded transmission. It is also possible to adjust the position of the elements to tune different alignment configurations.
2s It is an advantage of the present invention that aligned, direct coupling can be effected without loss due to transmission through adhesive.
It is a still further advantage that optical elements can be coupled in a substantially sealed environment.
providing a second optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face for mating with the coupling end face of the first optical element;
1 o adhesively securing the peripheral securing surface of the first optical element to the coupling end face of the second optical element; and providing tuning adjustment for aligning the transmission window of the coupling end face of the first optical element with the transmission area of the second optical element.
The direct coupling of planar ferrule and lens surfaces of the present invention provides the advantages of alignment and tuning control. Other optical elements such as multiple lenses, or lenses and filters etc., may also advantageously be coupled in accordance with the invention to provide reliable coupling with an unimpeded transmission area. If the surface contact means used is adhesive, such as epoxy, metal solder, glass solder, molten 2o glass, pressure activated adhesive or the like, between the planar surfaces of the optical elements, it is relatively easy to maintain the transmission window free of adhesive for unimpeded transmission. It is also possible to adjust the position of the elements to tune different alignment configurations.
2s It is an advantage of the present invention that aligned, direct coupling can be effected without loss due to transmission through adhesive.
It is a still further advantage that optical elements can be coupled in a substantially sealed environment.
10-166CA . Patent Further advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by example only, in which:
Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 is a side view of a direct coupling in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the end faces of the optical elements of Fig.
1;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line III - III of Fig. 2;
1 o Figure 4 is an isometric view of an alternative end face of the coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a further alternative end face of the coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an alternative end face of a housing for supporting a rod lens for a coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a prior art sleeve coupling system;
Figure 8 is a side view of a further prior art epoxy coupling system.; and, Figure 9 is a side view of a prior art coupling using a stand off element.
Like numerals are used throughout to designate like elements.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the coupling generally at 10. A
ferrule 12 supporting fibre end 14 has a planar coupling face 15. A lens 16, such as a graded-index lens commonly used in this configuration, also has a planar coupling face 17.
The ferrule 12 and lens 16 are joined in direct surface contact by an adhesive layer 32.
Seen clearly in Fig. 2, the coupling end face 15 of the ferrule 12 includes an arnlular groove 18. The groove 18 provides a barrier to the flow of adhesive separating a transmission 3o window 20 from a peripheral securing surface 22 since the adhesive, through surface tension (capillary action), tends to flow along the securing surface 22 rather than enter or cross the 10-166CA ~ Patent groove. Both the transmission window 20 and the peripheral securing surface 22 comprise coplanar surfaces adapted to closely join a planar coupling end face 17 of the lens 16. The fibre 14 is polished to be coplanar with the end face 15 of the ferrule 12 generally at a six degree angle from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The annular groove 18 can be in either the ferrule or lens coupling end face 15 or 17. Alternatively, a sleeve-like housing similar to a ferrule can be provided to receive a rod lens, the housing having a grooved end face in accordance with the invention, for adhesively securing a coupling as shown in Fig. 6.
A rod lens 16 is mounted within a housing. The end face 21 of the housing 19 is similarly formed with a groove 18.
to Fig. 3 shows the groove 18 which forms a well between the peripheral securing surface 22 and the transmission window 20 to form a barrier to adhesive, such as index matching epoxy. The pressure between the planar coupling end faces 15, 17 prevents adhesive from flowing onto the transmission window 20. As a result, coupling is accomplished without obstructing or hindering the quality of the optical transmission with epoxy between the optical elements. Of course the groove 18 could be any continuous shape separating a generally central transmission window 20 from a peripheral securing surface 22 to provide sufficient passage for the beam transmission. One or more fibres 14 launch light into the lens 16. The actual beam width, even of a number of adjacent fibres, is 2o very small. The transmission window 20 should be dimensioned to provide sufficient flexibility for tuning alignment. The peripheral securing surface should be of sufficient area to provide a secure adhesive join.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention including a vent 24 in the peripheral securing surface 22, through which air can exit under pressure as the coupling faces 15, 17 are joined.
Fig. S illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the invention including a second annular groove 26 to provide an additional flow barrier between the securing surface 22 and the transmission window 20. This embodiment may also include the vent communicating with both grooves 18, 26.
Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 is a side view of a direct coupling in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the end faces of the optical elements of Fig.
1;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line III - III of Fig. 2;
1 o Figure 4 is an isometric view of an alternative end face of the coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a further alternative end face of the coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an alternative end face of a housing for supporting a rod lens for a coupling in accordance with the invention;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a prior art sleeve coupling system;
Figure 8 is a side view of a further prior art epoxy coupling system.; and, Figure 9 is a side view of a prior art coupling using a stand off element.
Like numerals are used throughout to designate like elements.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the coupling generally at 10. A
ferrule 12 supporting fibre end 14 has a planar coupling face 15. A lens 16, such as a graded-index lens commonly used in this configuration, also has a planar coupling face 17.
The ferrule 12 and lens 16 are joined in direct surface contact by an adhesive layer 32.
Seen clearly in Fig. 2, the coupling end face 15 of the ferrule 12 includes an arnlular groove 18. The groove 18 provides a barrier to the flow of adhesive separating a transmission 3o window 20 from a peripheral securing surface 22 since the adhesive, through surface tension (capillary action), tends to flow along the securing surface 22 rather than enter or cross the 10-166CA ~ Patent groove. Both the transmission window 20 and the peripheral securing surface 22 comprise coplanar surfaces adapted to closely join a planar coupling end face 17 of the lens 16. The fibre 14 is polished to be coplanar with the end face 15 of the ferrule 12 generally at a six degree angle from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The annular groove 18 can be in either the ferrule or lens coupling end face 15 or 17. Alternatively, a sleeve-like housing similar to a ferrule can be provided to receive a rod lens, the housing having a grooved end face in accordance with the invention, for adhesively securing a coupling as shown in Fig. 6.
A rod lens 16 is mounted within a housing. The end face 21 of the housing 19 is similarly formed with a groove 18.
to Fig. 3 shows the groove 18 which forms a well between the peripheral securing surface 22 and the transmission window 20 to form a barrier to adhesive, such as index matching epoxy. The pressure between the planar coupling end faces 15, 17 prevents adhesive from flowing onto the transmission window 20. As a result, coupling is accomplished without obstructing or hindering the quality of the optical transmission with epoxy between the optical elements. Of course the groove 18 could be any continuous shape separating a generally central transmission window 20 from a peripheral securing surface 22 to provide sufficient passage for the beam transmission. One or more fibres 14 launch light into the lens 16. The actual beam width, even of a number of adjacent fibres, is 2o very small. The transmission window 20 should be dimensioned to provide sufficient flexibility for tuning alignment. The peripheral securing surface should be of sufficient area to provide a secure adhesive join.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention including a vent 24 in the peripheral securing surface 22, through which air can exit under pressure as the coupling faces 15, 17 are joined.
Fig. S illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the invention including a second annular groove 26 to provide an additional flow barrier between the securing surface 22 and the transmission window 20. This embodiment may also include the vent communicating with both grooves 18, 26.
10-166CA ~ Patent In production, a groove may be formed on al coupling end face of a ferrule, lens or housing. An accurate planar surface can then be ground on the formed end face.
Alternatively, a groove can be ground or cut into the end face of a finished optical element.
The shape and depth of the groove are not critical. An adequate depth and volume of the groove 18 will prevent overflow. An accurate coupling end face for mating with an additional optical element is important.
The surface securing means is not limited to adhesive. Adhesive for securing the 1 o coupling end faces 15, 17 may be understood to include: epoxy, metal solder, glass solder, liquid glass, glue, etc. An appropriate surface securing means is selected depending on the material used. The securing surfaces of cooperating end faces peripheral to the transmission window 20 may be metalized to receive a metal solder joint. By eliminating additional coupling elements, such as spacers, sleeves or cages, thermal expansion within the coupling no longer presents a significant problem.
Multiple optical elements can be joined in accordance with the present invention to provide reliable and unobstructed coupling through the entire assembly. To couple to a filter or filter substrate, it is preferable to grind a groove in a coupling face of a graded-index lens or lens housing. Thus through the complete assembly, clear transmission is possible unobstructed by epoxy at each joint.
Fig. 7 illustrates a prior art coupling incorporating a sleeve 30 in which a fibre 14 within a ferrule 12 and a lens 16 are joined. Epoxy 32 between the sides of the ferrule 12 and the lens 16 secures the optical elements to the inner wall of the sleeve 30. Substantially no alignment tuning is possible within the sleeve.
Fig. 8 illustrates a further prior art coupling in which a coupling face of a ferrule 12 supporting a fibre end 14 is joined directly to a coupling face of a lens 16 with an epoxy layer 32. Epoxy is directly in the transmission path.
Alternatively, a groove can be ground or cut into the end face of a finished optical element.
The shape and depth of the groove are not critical. An adequate depth and volume of the groove 18 will prevent overflow. An accurate coupling end face for mating with an additional optical element is important.
The surface securing means is not limited to adhesive. Adhesive for securing the 1 o coupling end faces 15, 17 may be understood to include: epoxy, metal solder, glass solder, liquid glass, glue, etc. An appropriate surface securing means is selected depending on the material used. The securing surfaces of cooperating end faces peripheral to the transmission window 20 may be metalized to receive a metal solder joint. By eliminating additional coupling elements, such as spacers, sleeves or cages, thermal expansion within the coupling no longer presents a significant problem.
Multiple optical elements can be joined in accordance with the present invention to provide reliable and unobstructed coupling through the entire assembly. To couple to a filter or filter substrate, it is preferable to grind a groove in a coupling face of a graded-index lens or lens housing. Thus through the complete assembly, clear transmission is possible unobstructed by epoxy at each joint.
Fig. 7 illustrates a prior art coupling incorporating a sleeve 30 in which a fibre 14 within a ferrule 12 and a lens 16 are joined. Epoxy 32 between the sides of the ferrule 12 and the lens 16 secures the optical elements to the inner wall of the sleeve 30. Substantially no alignment tuning is possible within the sleeve.
Fig. 8 illustrates a further prior art coupling in which a coupling face of a ferrule 12 supporting a fibre end 14 is joined directly to a coupling face of a lens 16 with an epoxy layer 32. Epoxy is directly in the transmission path.
10-166CA ~ Patent Fig. 9 illustrates a third prior art coupling configuration using a stand off element 40 between optical elements. This provides a transmission window free of adhesive, however the space between the optical elements has an adverse effect on coupling efficiency.
The preceding examples are for illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting.
Numerous other embodiments will be apparent to persons of skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The preceding examples are for illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting.
Numerous other embodiments will be apparent to persons of skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. An optical element for direct adhesive coupling to an additional optical element comprising:
a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal;
a coupling end face adapted for mating contact with a coupling end face of the second optical element;
the coupling end face including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled into the additional optical element in use.
a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal;
a coupling end face adapted for mating contact with a coupling end face of the second optical element;
the coupling end face including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled into the additional optical element in use.
2. An optical element as defined in claim 1, wherein optical element is a ferrule for supporting one or more optical fibre ends.
3. An optical element as defined in claim 2, wherein the additional optical element is a lens.
4. An optical element as defined in claim 3, wherein the additional optical element is a rod lens.
5. An optical element as defined in claim 4, wherein the rod lens is a graded-index lens.
6. An optical element as defined in claim 1, wherein the optical element includes a second coupling end face including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the second coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window.
7. An optical element as defined in claim 1, wherein the optical element is a rod lens.
8. An optical element as defined in claim 7, wherein the rod lens is supported within a transmission area of a surrounding housing.
9. An optical element as defined in claim 7, wherein the rod lens is a graded-index lens.
10. An optical element as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmission window is larger than one or more beams of light for transmission therethrough, to provide tolerance for tuning adjustment between the first optical element and the second optical element.
11. An optical element as defined in claim 10, including a vent providing communication between the continuous groove and an exterior surface of the first optical element for evacuating air.
12. An optical element as defined in claim 10, including an additional continuous groove spaced from the continuous groove.
13. An optical coupling comprising:
a first optical element for transmitting an optical signal having a coupling end face;
a second optical element for transmitting a signal having a coupling end face for joining to the coupling end face of the first optical element;
the coupling end faces of the first and second optical elements being substantially planar surfaces adapted to meet in close fitting relationship;
the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled;
an adhesive join between the peripheral securing surface and the coupling end face of the second optical element.
a first optical element for transmitting an optical signal having a coupling end face;
a second optical element for transmitting a signal having a coupling end face for joining to the coupling end face of the first optical element;
the coupling end faces of the first and second optical elements being substantially planar surfaces adapted to meet in close fitting relationship;
the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window through which a transmitted signal is coupled;
an adhesive join between the peripheral securing surface and the coupling end face of the second optical element.
14. An optical coupling as defined in claim 13, wherein first optical element is a ferrule for supporting one or more optical fibre ends.
15. An optical coupling as defined in claim 13, wherein the first optical element is a lens.
16. An optical coupling as defined in claim 14, wherein the second optical element is a lens.
17. An optical fibre as defined in claim 13, wherein the first and second coupling end face each includes a substantially planar surface for permitting tuning alignment adjustment between the first optical element and the second optical element in a plane intersecting an optical axis through the first or the second optical element.
18. An optical coupling as defined in claim 17, wherein the transmission window is larger than one or more beams of light for transmission therethrough, to provide tolerance for tuning adjustment between the first optical element and the second optical element.
19. An optical coupling as defined in claim 18, including a vent providing communication between the continuous groove and an exterior surface of the first optical element for evacuating air.
20. An optical coupling as defined in claim 18, including an additional continuous groove spaced from the continuous groove.
21. A method of coupling a first optical element to a second optical element for optical signal transmission through the coupling comprising the steps of:
providing a first optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face, the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window at the transmission area of the coupling end face of the first optical element;
providing a second optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face for mating with the coupling end face of the first optical element;
adhesively securing the peripheral securing surface of the first optical element to the coupling end face of the second optical element; and providing tuning adjustment for aligning the transmission window of the coupling end face of the first optical element with the transmission area of the second optical element.
providing a first optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face, the coupling end face of the first optical element including a continuous groove spaced from an outside edge of the coupling end face defining a peripheral securing surface for receiving adhesive, the groove surrounding a transmission window at the transmission area of the coupling end face of the first optical element;
providing a second optical element having a transmission area for transmitting an optical signal and a coupling end face for mating with the coupling end face of the first optical element;
adhesively securing the peripheral securing surface of the first optical element to the coupling end face of the second optical element; and providing tuning adjustment for aligning the transmission window of the coupling end face of the first optical element with the transmission area of the second optical element.
22. A method as defined in claim 21, wherein providing a first optical element comprises encasing an end of one or more optical fibres in a supporting ferrule having a distal coupling end face, the one or more fibres comprising the transmission area.
23. A method as defined in claim 22, wherein providing a second optical element comprises providing a lens for coupling to the fibre end having a coupling end face.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2278081 CA2278081A1 (en) | 1999-07-20 | 1999-07-20 | Optical coupling system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2278081 CA2278081A1 (en) | 1999-07-20 | 1999-07-20 | Optical coupling system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2278081A1 true CA2278081A1 (en) | 2001-01-20 |
Family
ID=4163800
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2278081 Abandoned CA2278081A1 (en) | 1999-07-20 | 1999-07-20 | Optical coupling system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2278081A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2835675A1 (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2015-02-11 | Corning Cable Systems LLC | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
| US9946033B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2018-04-17 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
-
1999
- 1999-07-20 CA CA 2278081 patent/CA2278081A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2835675A1 (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2015-02-11 | Corning Cable Systems LLC | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
| WO2015020870A1 (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2015-02-12 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
| CN105518501A (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2016-04-20 | 康宁光电通信有限责任公司 | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
| US9946033B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2018-04-17 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Fiber optic connector with adhesive management |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |