Process for cutting an optical fiber

Abstract

A process for cutting or splitting at least one optical fiber at a predetermined angle, wherein the fiber is introduced into a holding and positioning device and is cut by a pulsed laser beam.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No. 09 / 880,698, filed on Jun. 12, 2001, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09 / 395,352, filed on Sep. 14, 1999, and claims priority to provisional application No. 60 / 229,787 filed on Sep. 1, 2000. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to cutting one or more fibers to form angled or shaped end faces that require no polishing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Optical fibers made of glass are often used in optical transmission systems and other optical systems. The machining of the end face of these fibers plays a crucial role during the use of these monomode or multimode fibers. It is important that the end faces have a particularly uniform surface so that the transition from one fiber end to another or to an active element can be carried out with damping values which are as low...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an approach for preparing the end face of a fiber by using a laser to cut and polish the end face simultaneously. This approach avoids the shortcomings of prior art methods and allows for accurate and precise end face preparation with a predetermined angle or shape and surface uniformity. The laser cuts a straight path across the fiber and the end face may be angled to change the direction of light exiting or entering the fiber. The invention also allows for complex end face geometries, such as a wedge shape, and provides a smooth end face with rounded edges that are better suited for optical coupling applications. The laser's sublimatation of the glass provides a smooth end face and minimal subsequent polishing is required. The invention offers high degree of control over the position of the cleaved end face relative to a reference point and can cleave within 1 mm of the fiber coating with suitable results.

Problems solved by technology

For example, the multiple steps required makes this approach time-consuming, and, thus, expensive.

The approach of mechanically cleaving and polishing a fiber also tends to be limited in flexibility.

Furthermore, the angle of the end face of a fiber is generally limited to less than 15° due to the excessive forces the polishing pad imparts to the fiber as the angle increases.

Glass fiber tends to lack axial strength.

At some point, the axial force component, in combination with the torsional force component, causes the fiber tip to fracture.

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