JP3779640B2 - Processing method and processing apparatus for wedge lens optical fiber - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a processing method and a processing apparatus for a wedge-shaped optical fiber in which a tip of an optical fiber is polished and processed into a wedge shape having a cylindrical lens function having a predetermined radius at the tip to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 6, the wedge lens optical fiber has a tapered surface 11 formed in a wedge shape by obliquely cutting the tip of the optical fiber 1 from both sides, and a wedge ridge line at the tip of the wedge shape where the tapered surface 11 overlaps. 12 has a function of a cylindrical lens with R added thereto. Further, the end face of the fiber core 13 is exposed at the center of the wedge ridge line 12. The wedge-shaped optical fiber having the tip formed in this way is effective for coupling with a laser diode having a flat opening.
[0003]
In particular, the 980 nm wavelength excitation laser of the fiber amplifier, which is essential for long-distance optical fiber communication, is a GaAs type, but it is difficult to embed structure and spot size conversion, and outputs a laser with a wavelength of 980 nm. The laser diode has, for example, a flat opening in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The light emission pattern from this laser diode is greatly spread in the vertical direction, with the spread angle of the laser light being greatly different in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, for example, 27-28 ° in the vertical direction and 4-6 ° in the horizontal direction. For high-performance fiber amplifiers, high-efficiency optical coupling using wedge-shaped optical fibers is essential.
[0004]
However, the high-efficiency coupling by the wedge lens optical fiber requires a very small shape of 3 to 6 μm as the radius of the semi-cylindrical surface at the tip of the wedge lens optical fiber because the laser aperture is very thin. Further, taking the wedge lens optical fiber shown in FIG. 6 as an example, the deviation between the center of the wedge ridgeline 12 and the fiber core 13 also requires submicron accuracy. That is, both tapered surfaces 11 need to have very high symmetry.
[0005]
Such high-precision precision processing is conventionally performed by repeating a process in which a skilled worker presses the tip of an optical fiber into a rotary tool and then performs correction processing by measuring with a shape measuring instrument or an optical property measuring instrument. Thus, the tip of the optical fiber is processed into a desired shape.
[0006]
As another processing method, a method of fixing a tip of an optical fiber to a multi-axis precision stage having a rotation axis and processing a desired shape by precisely controlling a complicated trajectory with a computer may be considered.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Among the above-described conventional processing methods, the first method for performing measurement and correction processing after an expert presses the tip of the optical fiber on the rotary tool and then processes it requires an engineer with a certain skill. At the same time, there is a problem that it takes time, and for the low-cost mass production required for wedge-shaped lens optical fiber used for optical fiber amplifiers in the movement to incorporate optical fiber amplifiers in the rapid development of recent WAN etc. Not suitable.
[0008]
In addition, the second method in which the tip of the optical fiber is fixed to the multi-axis precision stage and the computer control is performed requires a very expensive device, and the installation of the optical fiber to the device and the return to the origin at the time of processing. There is a problem that a complicated and high-precision operation such as setting is necessary, and it is similarly not suitable for low-cost mass production.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and the object of the present invention is to use complicated and high-precision processing and setting, and does not require skill, and is easy to operate and inexpensive. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wedge lens optical fiber processing method and processing apparatus suitable for mass production at low cost.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 provides a tip of an optical fiber. In contact with the polished surface A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by polishing and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber being held so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the tip of the optical fiber The operation of sliding the surface of the polishing member in contact with the polishing surface is opposite to the first sliding direction and the first sliding direction. direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A region provided with at least a region in which the distance between the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface is changed so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface continuously changes. As well as between A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, and is relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. It is a summary.
[0011]
In the first aspect of the present invention, while the tip of the optical fiber is brought into contact with the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber is bent on the polishing surface, the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction are applied. When the tip of the optical fiber is processed into a wedge shape by repeating the reciprocating motion of sliding on the polishing surface relatively multiple times between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber, the position where the optical fiber is held and the polishing are performed. As the distance between the surface changes and the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polished surface changes continuously, skill is not required as in the past, and mass production is possible at low cost. It is possible to accurately form a very small semi-cylindrical curved surface with high symmetry at the tip of the optical fiber, and to form a highly accurate wedge-shaped lens optical fiber capable of highly efficient coupling with a laser diode. it can.
According to the present invention, the tip of the optical fiber is In contact with the polished surface A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by polishing and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber being held so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the tip of the optical fiber The operation of sliding the surface of the polishing member in contact with the polishing surface is opposite to the first sliding direction and the first sliding direction. direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A base having a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber as an upper side and a non-polishing region provided on both sides of the polishing region as an oblique side so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. Between the region of the shape that changes the distance between the holding position of the optical fiber and the polishing surface, A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, and is relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. It is a summary.
In the present invention according to claim 2, after the optical fiber 1 enters the polishing surface region from a slope having no processing capability on both ends of the polishing surface in one processing, and passes through the polishing surface while bending, Detach from the polished surface to the slope. As a result, when entering the polishing surface from both ends of the trapezoidally slanted portion of the polishing surface, the straight optical fiber 1 can be smoothly bent without stress, and at both ends. It is also easy to switch forward and backward at the extended position.
In the present invention as set forth in claim 3, the tip of the optical fiber is In contact with the polished surface A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by polishing and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber being held so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the tip of the optical fiber The operation of sliding the surface of the polishing member in contact with the polishing surface is opposite to the first sliding direction and the first sliding direction. direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of The polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is inclined and arranged so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position of holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the areas that change the distance between, A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, and is relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. It is a summary.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the contact angle between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface can be continuously changed, whereby the ridge line of the tip further forward of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip of the optical fiber. The forming part is curved. Therefore, this curved surface processing is performed symmetrically with respect to the tip of the optical fiber by using a polishing surface formed in a symmetrical “he” shape or convex shape, which is a symmetrical slope, for example. A certain curved surface, that is, a cylindrical lens as illustrated in FIG. 6 can be formed.
The gist of the present invention described in claim 4 is the wedge lens optical fiber processing method according to claim 3, wherein the inclined polished region is a flat surface.
The gist of the present invention described in claim 5 is the wedge lens optical fiber processing method according to claim 3, wherein the inclined polished region is a curved surface.
In the present invention described in claim 5 ¥ 18, it is possible to precisely control the lens shape such as a shape that is not a semi-cylindrical shape, and it is possible to expect higher coupling characteristics.
In the present invention of claim 6, the tip of the optical fiber is In contact with the polished surface A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by polishing and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber being held so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the tip of the optical fiber The operation of sliding the surface of the polishing member in contact with the polishing surface is opposite to the first sliding direction and the first sliding direction. direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A region including a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is formed in a triangular shape having a convex center so as to continuously change the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface, and the optical fiber is held. Between the areas that change the distance between the position and the polishing surface, A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, and is relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. It is a summary.
In the present invention according to the sixth aspect, the tip of the optical fiber 1 processed into a tapered shape can be mirror-finished to form an R surface at the tip.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to the sixth aspect, the inclined surface on one side of the triangular shape is used as a polishing region. It is a summary.
In the present invention according to claim 7, it is possible to form an oblique cylindrical lens.
In the present invention according to claim 8, the tip of the optical fiber is In contact with the polished surface A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by polishing and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber being held so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the tip of the optical fiber The operation of sliding the surface of the polishing member in contact with the polishing surface is opposite to the first sliding direction and the first sliding direction. direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is provided on the upper side and the oblique side of the trapezoid so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the regions that change the distance between, A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, and is relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. It is a summary.
In the present invention according to claim 8, it is possible to perform the taper processing and the tip ball processing simultaneously.
[0012]
Claims 9 The invention as described is claimed. 1 Thru 8 The gist of the invention is that the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction.
[0013]
Claim 9 In the described invention, since the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction, the tip of the optical fiber is small and highly symmetric. A semi-cylindrical curved surface can be formed accurately.
[0014]
Further claims 10 The present invention as described in claim 1 or 9 The gist of the invention is that the reciprocating operation is a linear reciprocating operation.
[0017]
Claims 11 The present invention as described in claims 1 to 10 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the optical fiber is coated with an elastic material before the reciprocating operation.
[0018]
Further claims 12 The present invention as described in claims 1 to 11 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the polishing surface has a predetermined finite length with respect to the direction of the reciprocating motion.
[0019]
Claim 13 The present invention as described in claims 1 to 12 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the shape of the polishing surface in the reciprocating direction is symmetric with respect to the center of the reciprocating operation.
[0021]
Claim 14 The present invention as described describes the tip of an optical fiber. In contact with the polished surface A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus that polishes and forms a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by processing the tip into a wedge shape, and holding means for holding the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end; A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the fiber, contact means for bringing the optical fiber into contact with the polishing surface, and an operation of sliding the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface by contacting the polishing surface with the first sliding direction and the Opposite to the first sliding direction direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of Between at least a part of the region in which the distance between the position where the optical fiber is held and the polishing surface is changed so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. As well as The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for wedge-shaped lens optical fibers characterized by reciprocating means.
[0022]
Claim 14 In the present invention described above, the tip of the optical fiber is brought into contact with the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber is bent on the polishing surface, while the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction are on the polishing surface. When the tip of the optical fiber is processed into a wedge shape by repeating the reciprocating motion of sliding at a plurality of times relatively between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber, the position of holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface As the distance between them changes and the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, it is possible to mass-produce the optical fiber at low cost without requiring skill as in the prior art. It is possible to accurately form a very small semi-cylindrical curved surface with high symmetry at the tip of the optical fiber, and it is possible to form a highly accurate wedge lens optical fiber capable of highly efficient coupling with a laser diode.
The present invention according to claim 15 provides a tip of an optical fiber. In contact with the polished surface A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus that polishes and forms a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber by processing the tip into a wedge shape, and holding means for holding the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end; A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the fiber, contact means for bringing the optical fiber into contact with the polishing surface, and an operation of sliding the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface by contacting the polishing surface with the first sliding direction and the Opposite to the first sliding direction direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A base having a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber as an upper side and a non-polishing region provided on both sides of the polishing region as an oblique side so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. Between the region of the shape that changes the distance between the holding position of the optical fiber and the polishing surface, The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for wedge-shaped lens optical fibers characterized by reciprocating means.
In the present invention according to claim 15, the optical fiber enters the polishing surface region from a slope having no processing capability on both ends of the polishing surface in one processing, passes through the polishing surface while being bent, and then polished. It is designed to leave from the surface to the slope. As a result, when entering the polished surface from both ends of the trapezoidally slanted portion of the polished surface, it becomes possible to bend the straight optical fiber smoothly without stress, and at both ends. It also facilitates switching between forward and backward in the extended position.
The present invention according to claim 16 provides the tip of the optical fiber. In contact with the polished surface A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus that polishes and processes the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber holding means so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the optical fiber A polishing surface for polishing the tip, contact means for bringing the optical fiber into contact with the polishing surface, and an operation of causing the tip of the optical fiber to contact the polishing surface and sliding on the polishing surface are the first sliding direction and the first Opposite to the sliding direction direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of The polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is inclined and arranged so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position of holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the areas that change the distance between, The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for wedge-shaped lens optical fibers characterized by reciprocating means.
In the present invention as set forth in claim 16, the contact angle between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface can be continuously changed, whereby the tip of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip of the optical fiber 1 is further changed. The ridge line forming part is curved. Therefore, this curved surface processing is performed symmetrically with respect to the tip of the optical fiber by using a polishing surface formed in a symmetrical “he” shape or convex shape, which is a symmetrical slope, for example. A certain curved surface, that is, a cylindrical lens as illustrated in FIG. 6 can be formed.
The present invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the inclined polishing region is a plane. 16 The processing apparatus of the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber described in the above.
The present invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that the inclined polishing region is a curved surface. 16 The processing apparatus of the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber described in the above.
In the present invention according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to precisely control the lens shape such as a shape that is not a semi-cylindrical shape, and further expect high coupling characteristics.
The present invention according to claim 19 provides the tip of the optical fiber. In contact with the polished surface A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus that polishes and processes the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber holding means so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the optical fiber A polishing surface for polishing the tip, contact means for bringing the optical fiber into contact with the polishing surface, and an operation of causing the tip of the optical fiber to contact the polishing surface and sliding on the polishing surface are the first sliding direction and the first Opposite to the sliding direction direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A region including a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is formed in a triangular shape having a convex center so as to continuously change the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface, and the optical fiber is held. Between the areas that change the distance between the position and the polishing surface, The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for wedge-shaped lens optical fibers characterized by reciprocating means.
In the present invention according to the nineteenth aspect, the tip of the optical fiber 1 processed into a tapered shape can be mirror-finished to form an R surface at the tip.
The present invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that a slope on one side of the triangular shape is a polishing region. 19 The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for a wedge-shaped optical fiber.
In the present invention according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to form an oblique cylindrical lens.
The present invention as set forth in claim 21, wherein the tip of the optical fiber is In contact with the polished surface A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus that polishes and processes the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, the optical fiber holding means so that the tip of the optical fiber becomes a free end, and the optical fiber A polishing surface for polishing the tip, contact means for bringing the optical fiber into contact with the polishing surface, and an operation of causing the tip of the optical fiber to contact the polishing surface and sliding on the polishing surface are the first sliding direction and the first Opposite to the sliding direction direction The reciprocating motion that is repeated a plurality of times in the second sliding direction of A polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is provided on the upper side and the oblique side of the trapezoid so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the regions that change the distance between, The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The gist of the present invention is a processing apparatus for wedge-shaped lens optical fibers characterized by reciprocating means.
In the present invention according to claim 21, it is possible to perform the taper processing and the tip ball processing simultaneously.
[0023]
Claim 22 The invention as described is claimed. 21 In the described invention, the reciprocating means is configured to repeat the reciprocating operation a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction and the polishing amount in the second sliding direction are equal. To do.
[0024]
Claim 22 In the described invention, since the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction, the tip of the optical fiber has high symmetry. A small semi-cylindrical curved surface can be accurately formed.
[0025]
Claims 23 The invention as described is claimed. 14 Or 22 The gist of the invention is that the reciprocating operation is a linear reciprocating operation.
[0028]
Claim 24 The invention as described is claimed. 14 Thru 23 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the optical fiber is coated with an elastic material.
[0029]
Claims 25 The invention as described is claimed. 14 Thru 24 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the polishing surface has a predetermined finite length with respect to the direction of the reciprocating motion.
[0030]
Further claims 26 The invention as described is claimed. 14 Thru 25 The gist of the invention described in any one of the above is that the shape of the polishing surface in the reciprocating direction is symmetric with respect to the center of the reciprocating operation.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a processing method of a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]
In the processing method shown in the figure, the optical fiber 1 is vertically held by the fiber holding portion 2, and the tip of the optical fiber 1 extending and hanging below the fiber holding portion 2 contacts the polishing surface 3 a of the polishing film 3. Let That is, the optical fiber 1 is held by the fiber holding portion 2 at a predetermined height from the polishing surface 3a. At this time, the length of the optical fiber 1 extending below the fiber holding portion 2 is set to be longer than the distance between the fiber holding portion 2 and the polishing surface 3a. The tip of the fiber 1 is bent as shown in the drawing on the polishing surface 3a. That is, when the tip of the optical fiber 1 is brought into contact with the polishing surface 3a and the fiber holding portion 2 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 21 and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is slid with respect to the polishing surface 3a, the optical fiber 1 The tip is bent in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The state in which the tip of the optical fiber 1 bends on the polishing surface 3a is enlarged as part A and the tip of the optical fiber 1 has a contact angle 4 with respect to the polishing surface 3a as shown in FIG. The contact angle 4 determines the processing angle of the tip of the optical fiber 1.
[0034]
As described above, the optical fiber 1 is held by the fiber holder 2 and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is brought into contact with the polishing surface 3a, and then the fiber holder 2 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 21 or the polishing film 3 is moved. , That is, by relatively moving the fiber holder 2 or the polishing film 3 in the direction indicated by the arrow 21, the tip of the optical fiber 1 can be slid on the polishing surface 3a. The moving operation, that is, the operation of sliding the tip of the optical fiber 1 on the polishing surface 3a is performed in the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction as indicated by an arrow 21. A reciprocating operation that is repeated a plurality of times in a straight line is relatively made between the polishing surface 3a and the tip of the optical fiber 1 while bending the tip of the optical fiber 1 in contact with the polishing surface 3a in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. Done That.
[0035]
In such reciprocating operation, the tip of the optical fiber 1 can be processed into a desired wedge shape with high accuracy by utilizing the high material and mechanical properties and high shape accuracy of the optical fiber 1. In the polishing process for obtaining the microscopic mirror surface shape targeted in this embodiment, the processing accuracy is determined by the processing amount and the processing shape, but the processing amount depends on the processing load and the relative contact amount (the relative relationship between the polishing surface and the workpiece). The machining shape is determined by this polishing amount and its interference surface in the interference between the polishing surface and the workpiece. Therefore, precise processing can be performed by precisely controlling these amounts.
[0036]
In the reciprocating operation in which the tip of the optical fiber 1 is slid on the polishing surface 3a, the optical fiber 1 is pressed against the polishing surface 3a by bending of the tip of the optical fiber 1 at a processing point where the tip of the optical fiber 1 is in contact with the polishing surface 3a. Is generated and this becomes a processing load. This load is generated by elasticity due to the bending of the optical fiber 1. However, as described above, the optical fiber 1 is homogeneous in material and has good shape accuracy, so that this elastic force can be controlled with high accuracy. Can be reproduced. The sliding distance is strictly determined by the length that the optical fiber 1 crosses the polishing surface 3a. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped taper angle (shape) at the tip of the optical fiber 1 is determined by the contact angle of the optical fiber 1 with respect to the polishing surface 3a, and this contact angle can also be strictly controlled by the bent shape. Based on such a principle, the processing of the wedge shape or wedge lens shape of the tip of the optical fiber according to the present embodiment can be performed precisely.
[0037]
As described above, the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber requires a submicron accuracy for the deviation between the wedge ridge line of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip and the center of the fiber core, and both tapered surfaces of the wedge-shaped portion have very high symmetry. However, in the processing method of this embodiment, it is possible to perform wedge-shaped processing with very good symmetry. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the optical fiber 1 is held vertically by the fiber holder 2 at a predetermined height from the polishing surface 3a, and the fiber holder 2 is rotated about the vertical axis on the polishing film 3. Without going back and forth. In FIG. 1, when moving along the arrow 21 in the right direction, the right tapered surface of the tip of the optical fiber 1 is processed in FIG. 1, and when moving in the opposite left direction, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is moved. It can be seen that the tip of the optical fiber 1 shows the same bending shape symmetrically as the left tapered surface is processed.
[0038]
Further, in one reciprocation, each tapered surface moves relative to the machining surface at the same distance. That is, the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction. Therefore, both taper surfaces of the wedge-shaped portion can be processed into the same processing amount and the same shape by one reciprocating processing, and processing of a wedge shape with extremely good symmetry is possible. Usually, in order to reach the wedge shape, a plurality of reciprocations are performed. In this case, both tapered surfaces are successively micromachined, and the influence of changes in the machining status over time (for example, the ability of the polished surface to be reduced due to machining) can be avoided.
[0039]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the polishing film 3 has a trapezoidal shape in which both left and right ends are obliquely lowered, and the polishing surface 3 a is provided only on the upper surface of the trapezoidal portion, and this portion is a polishing region. It has become. Therefore, when the tip of the optical fiber 1 moves left and right from the polishing surface 3a on the upper surface of the trapezoidal portion of the polishing film 3 and moves to both ends that are slanted down during reciprocating pushing, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is It can extend straight without contacting the polishing surface 3a. Then, when moving in the opposite direction again from the straight extension state and proceeding toward the polishing surface 3a, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is bent again from the position where it hits the polishing surface 3a and comes into contact with the polishing surface 3a. And will be polished. And while moving in contact with the polishing surface 3a, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is polished while being bent by the polishing surface 3a, but when passing through the polishing surface 3a and moving to an obliquely lowered portion of the trapezoid, The tip of the optical fiber 1 is released from contact with the polishing surface 3a and becomes free, and extends straight downward. That is, the polishing surface 3a has a predetermined finite length with respect to the reciprocating direction.
[0040]
As described above, the optical fiber 1 enters the polishing surface 3a region from the slope having no processing ability on both ends of the polishing surface 3a in one processing, passes through the polishing surface 3a while being bent, and then is inclined from the polishing surface 3a. To come out. As a result, when entering the polishing surface 3a from both ends of the trapezoidally inclined portion of the polishing surface 3a, the linear optical fiber 1 can be smoothly bent without stress, and both ends It also facilitates switching between forward and backward at the extended position on the side.
[0041]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the processing method of the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber which concerns on other embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
[0042]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the polishing film 3 forming the polishing surface 3a is inclined with respect to the fiber holding portion 2 holding the optical fiber 1 fixedly. Accordingly, the position of the fiber holding portion 2 holding the optical fiber 1, that is, the distance between the position indicated by the line 23 and the polishing surface 3a continuously changes so as to become right in the drawing. is doing.
[0043]
In the case of the optical fiber 1 located on the left side in FIG. 2A, since the distance between the fiber holding part 2 holding the optical fiber 1 and the polishing surface 3a is short, the fiber holding part The optical fiber 1 extending below 2 is strongly bent at the tip thereof against the polishing surface 3a, that is, is contacted by a large pressing force, and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is deeply inclined as shown in FIG. However, the contact angle 4 is reduced, and the portion of the ridge line forming portion at the further tip of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip of the optical fiber 1 is also in contact with the polishing surface 3a.
[0044]
On the other hand, in the case of the optical fiber 1 located on the right side in FIG. 2A, the distance between the fiber holding part 2 holding the optical fiber 1 and the polishing surface 3a is long. Therefore, the optical fiber 1 extending below the fiber holding portion 2 has a tip that is weakly touched against the polishing surface 3a and bends slightly, that is, contacts with a small pressing force, and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, it is shallowly inclined, the contact angle 4 is increased, and the center portion of the ridge line forming portion at the tip of the tip of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip of the optical fiber 1 is in contact with the polishing surface 3a.
[0045]
Accordingly, the optical fiber 1 is held by the fiber holding portion 2 and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is slid with respect to the polishing surface 3a disposed at an inclination as shown in FIG. The contact angle 4 between the tip of the fiber 1 and the polishing surface 3a can be continuously changed, whereby the ridge line forming portion at the further tip of the wedge-shaped portion at the tip of the optical fiber 1 is curved. Accordingly, the curved surface processing is performed symmetrically with respect to the tip of the optical fiber 1 by using the polished surface 3a formed in a symmetrical “he” shape or convex shape, which is a symmetrical slope, for example. A characteristic curved surface, that is, a cylindrical lens as described with reference to FIG. 6 can be formed.
[0046]
In FIG. 2, the shape of the inclined surface constituting the polishing surface 3a is a flat surface. However, by forming the polishing surface 3a into a curved surface, it is possible to precisely control the lens shape such as a shape that is not a semi-cylindrical shape. Thus, higher bonding characteristics can be expected.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment, the precision of the optical fiber 1 itself is used, and an economical processing apparatus that does not require precise positioning of the optical fiber before processing does not require a combination of skill and measurement. This makes it possible to process easily and with high accuracy economically. By similarly using such a processing method, it is possible to realize low-cost mass production that can process a large number of optical fibers at once.
[0048]
Next, an actual processing process will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0049]
First, the first processing step is rough processing. In this rough processing, as shown in FIG. 3, both ends are lowered obliquely downward as shown in FIG. 1, and a polishing film 3 configured in a trapezoidal shape is used. That is, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is tapered using the polishing surface 3 a on the upper surface of the trapezoidal polishing film 3. In this taper processing, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is processed at a high speed with a polishing surface 3 a of relatively coarse abrasive grains (for example, alumina having a particle size of 5 μm), and a tapered surface is formed at the tip of the optical fiber 1.
[0050]
Next, in the second finishing step, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a polishing surface 3a of, for example, fine silica abrasive grains of an abrasive film 3 having a symmetrical "he" shape whose center is sharp like a vertex of a triangle. The tip of the optical fiber 1 processed into a tapered shape is mirror-finished to form an R surface at the tip.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an evaluation result obtained by measuring the shape of the tip of the optical fiber 1 obtained by processing in the first and second processing steps described above with a stylus type shape measuring instrument. As shown in the figure, a tip R of approximately 2.7 μm was obtained as the tip of the optical fiber 1. The R surface is mirror-finished by using fine silica abrasive grains.
[0052]
As described above, according to the processing method of the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a precise processing of a wedge lens optical fiber, and it is possible to realize a practical time by using two steps of roughing and finishing. It was possible to process with. In addition, even when multiple optical fibers are held and processed simultaneously, all of the optical fibers can be processed in the same way, and mass productivity can be realized by processing multiple optical fibers at once. I understood it. Furthermore, in the processing of this embodiment, even if the protruding amount of the optical fiber and the holding height of the optical fiber differ by about several tens of μm, the bending shape of the optical fiber itself is not greatly affected, and a substantially similar processed shape can be obtained. Also confirmed. It is also possible to use a coated optical fiber with a small elastic force for protection during processing depending on the processing shape and processing conditions. In this case, the coated optical fiber may be a metal coat, carbon coat, polymer skin, or the like. A coated (PSC) optical fiber or a normal primary coating, or a separate coating may be considered. In other words, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 1 is coated with an elastic material before performing the above-described reciprocating operation.
[0053]
Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, in order to perform the taper processing and the tip ball processing simultaneously as the polishing surface, a polishing agent is provided on the entire surface of the trapezoidal shape, or the polishing surface itself is flat and the fiber A form in which the holding portion is moved along an inverted trapezoidal locus is also conceivable. In order to ensure high symmetry in the processing of the R portion at the tip of the optical fiber, for example, the inclined surfaces on both sides of the polishing surface 3a shown in FIG. 4 need to be symmetrical, and this is because the inclined surfaces are curved surfaces. The same applies to the case.
[0054]
Furthermore, as a variation of the processing shape, it is possible to provide a pseudo-tip-spherical optical fiber function by processing the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber in two orthogonal directions. At this time, it is also possible to change the radius of curvature of the tip of the optical fiber in processing in the other direction. Further, for example, in FIG. 4, an oblique cylindrical lens can be formed by performing processing without providing an abrasive on one inclined surface of the polishing surface 3a.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the tip end of the optical fiber is brought into contact with the polishing surface and the tip end of the optical fiber is bent on the polishing surface, while the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction are set. The reciprocating motion of sliding on the polishing surface is repeated relatively many times between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber, and the tip of the optical fiber is processed into a wedge shape. High-precision wedge-shaped lens that can be mass-produced at low cost and that can form a highly symmetrical semi-cylindrical curved surface at the tip of the optical fiber, enabling highly efficient coupling with a laser diode. An optical fiber can be formed.
[0056]
Further, according to the present invention, the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction, so that the tip of the optical fiber is small and highly symmetric. A semi-cylindrical curved surface can be formed accurately.
[0057]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the distance between the position where the optical fiber is held and the polishing surface changes, and the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. A small semi-cylindrical curved surface with high symmetry can be accurately formed at the tip.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a processing method of a wedge lens optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a processing method of a wedge lens optical fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first roughing process in an actual processing process described using the processing method of the wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second finishing process step subsequent to FIG. 3 in an actual process step described using the wedge lens optical fiber processing method of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing evaluation results obtained by measuring the shape of the tip of the optical fiber obtained by processing in the first and second processing steps shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with a stylus type shape measuring instrument; .
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an overview of a wedge lens optical fiber.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how light is emitted from a laser diode having a wavelength of 980 nm.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Optical fiber
2 Fiber holder
3 Polishing film
3a Polished surface
4 Contact angle
11 Tapered surface
12 Wedge ridge line

Claims (26)

A method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, wherein the tip of an optical fiber is polished by contacting with a polishing surface, and the tip is processed into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Hold the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is the free end,
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
A region provided with at least a region in which the distance between the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface is changed so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface continuously changes. As well as between
A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent relative to the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, while being relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. A method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, wherein the tip of an optical fiber is polished by contacting with a polishing surface, and the tip is processed into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Hold the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is the free end,
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
A base having a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber as an upper side and a non-polishing region provided on both sides of the polishing region as an oblique side so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. Between the region of the shape that changes the distance between the holding position of the optical fiber and the polishing surface,
A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent relative to the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, while being relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. A method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, wherein the tip of an optical fiber is polished by contacting with a polishing surface, and the tip is processed into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Hold the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is the free end,
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
The polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is inclined and arranged so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position of holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the areas that change the distance between,
A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent relative to the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, while being relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip.   4. The method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to claim 3, wherein the inclined polishing region is a flat surface.   The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method according to claim 3, wherein the inclined polishing region is a curved surface. A method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, wherein the tip of an optical fiber is polished by contacting with a polishing surface, and the tip is processed into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Hold the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is the free end,
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
A region including a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is formed in a triangular shape having a convex center so as to continuously change the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface, and the optical fiber is held. Between the areas that change the distance between the position and the polishing surface,
A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent relative to the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, while being relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip.   The method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to claim 6, wherein a slope on one side of the triangular shape is used as a polishing region. A method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, wherein the tip of an optical fiber is polished by contacting with a polishing surface, and the tip is processed into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Hold the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is the free end,
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
A polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is provided on the upper side and the oblique side of the trapezoid so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the regions that change the distance between,
A method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized in that the optical fiber tip is bent relative to the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction, while being relatively performed between the polishing surface and the optical fiber tip. The wedge shape according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the reciprocating operation is repeated a plurality of times so that the polishing amount in the first sliding direction is equal to the polishing amount in the second sliding direction. Lens optical fiber processing method. The method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the reciprocating operation is a linear reciprocating operation. The method of processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising a pre-process of coating the optical fiber with an elastic material before the reciprocating operation. The method for processing a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the polished surface has a predetermined finite length with respect to the reciprocating direction. The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the shape of the polishing surface in the reciprocating direction is symmetrical with respect to the center of the reciprocating operation. A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus for polishing a tip of an optical fiber in contact with a polishing surface and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Holding means for holding the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is a free end;
A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the optical fiber;
Contact means for contacting the optical fiber with the polishing surface;
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first At least part of the region for changing the distance between the position where the optical fiber is held and the polishing surface is provided so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. The holding means and the holding means so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending between the regions and bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction. A processing apparatus for a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber, characterized by reciprocating means for controlling the operation of the polished surface. A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus for polishing a tip of an optical fiber in contact with a polishing surface and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Holding means for holding the optical fiber so that the tip of the optical fiber is a free end;
A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the optical fiber;
Contact means for contacting the optical fiber with the polishing surface;
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first The operation is such that the polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is the upper side and the non-polishing regions provided on both sides of the polishing region are the hypotenuse so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. a trapezoidal that, when among the area for changing the distance between the position and the polishing surface for holding an optical fiber together, the tip of the optical fiber is flexed on the polishing surface in the opposite direction to the sliding direction However, a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus comprising: the holding means and reciprocating means for controlling the operation of the polishing surface so that the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber are relatively moved. A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus for polishing a tip of an optical fiber in contact with a polishing surface and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Means for holding the optical fiber such that the tip of the optical fiber is a free end;
A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the optical fiber;
Contact means for contacting the optical fiber with the polishing surface;
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first The operation is performed by inclining the polishing region for polishing the optical fiber so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position and polishing for holding the optical fiber. Relatively between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in a direction opposite to the sliding direction , while changing between the areas changing the distance between the surfaces A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus comprising: a holding means and a reciprocating means for controlling the operation of the polishing surface so as to be performed. The wedge lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the inclined polishing region is a flat surface. The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the inclined polishing region is a curved surface. A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus for polishing a tip of an optical fiber in contact with a polishing surface and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Means for holding the optical fiber such that the tip of the optical fiber is a free end;
A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the optical fiber;
Contact means for contacting the optical fiber with the polishing surface;
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first The operation is performed by forming a region including a polishing region for polishing the optical fiber into a triangular shape having a convex center so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously. Between the holding position and the region where the distance between the polishing surface is changed , and while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction, the tip of the polishing surface and the optical fiber And a reciprocating means for controlling the operation of the holding means and the polishing surface so as to be relatively performed with respect to the wedge lens optical fiber processing apparatus. 20. The wedge lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a slope on one side of the triangular shape is a polishing region. A wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus for polishing a tip of an optical fiber in contact with a polishing surface and processing the tip into a wedge shape to form a wedge-shaped lens optical fiber,
Means for holding the optical fiber such that the tip of the optical fiber is a free end;
A polishing surface for polishing the tip of the optical fiber;
Contact means for contacting the optical fiber with the polishing surface;
Reciprocating repeatedly performed a plurality of times an operation to slide on the polishing surface tip into contact with the polishing surface of the optical fiber in a second sliding direction opposite direction to the first sliding direction of the sliding direction and the first Operation,
A polishing region for polishing the optical fiber is provided on the upper side and the oblique side of the trapezoid so that the degree of contact between the tip of the optical fiber and the polishing surface changes continuously, and the position for holding the optical fiber and the polishing surface Between the regions that change the distance between,
The operation of the holding means and the polishing surface is controlled so as to be relatively performed between the polishing surface and the tip of the optical fiber while bending the tip of the optical fiber on the polishing surface in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. A wedge lens optical fiber processing device characterized by reciprocating means. Said reciprocating motion means, to claim 14, characterized in that it is configured to repeat a plurality of times back and forth operation so that equal polishing amount of polishing amount and a second sliding direction in the first sliding direction The wedge lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to any one of 21 .   The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the reciprocating operation is a linear reciprocating operation. The wedge optical fiber processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 23 , wherein the optical fiber is coated with an elastic material. The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 24 , wherein the polishing surface has a predetermined finite length with respect to the reciprocating direction. The wedge-shaped lens optical fiber processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 25 , wherein the polished surface has a shape in the reciprocating direction symmetrical with respect to a center of the reciprocating operation.

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