Expanded beam non-imaging fiber optic connector
There is disclosed an expanded beam fiber to fiber connector, based on non-imaging optic principles for coupling light beams from one optical fiber to another. The system consists of two identical connector parts, referred to herein as a collimating part and a concentrating part, each having a preferred partially curved reflective boundary surface for minimizing power loss and surrounding either a hollow space or a space filled with a uniform transparent medium. In one embodiment the boundary is metallic while in a second embodiment the boundary is in the form of an interface allowing total internal reflection. In both the hollow and filled case a lens may be located at the expanded end of both the collimator part and the concentrator part forming the connector. The connector is preferably located in a housing in order to protect and preserve the mechanical stability of the coupler. 13 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Physical Optics Corp
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-86ER80423
- Assignee:
- Physical Optics Corp., Torrance, CA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 4898450
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-091520
- OSTI ID:
- 7069098
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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