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Apparatus and process for aligning the ends of the first and second fiber optics between two axially aligned fibers otica amendment process to detect an optical signal in a fiber otica processTo feed a signal to an optical fiber within a device which comprises a fiber otica
Apparatus and process for aligning the ends of the first and second fiber optics between two axially aligned fibers otica amendment process to detect an optical signal in a fiber otica processTo feed a signal to an optical fiber within a device which comprises a fiber otica
This invention relates to methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber (30) through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber (42) through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means (28, 34) which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber (30, 42). The coupling means (28, 34) can for example be a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning the ends of optical fibers (32, 40). The apparatus comprises means (10, 12) for holding two fibers (30, 42) so that the fiber ends (32, 40) are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers (30) through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber (42) through the buffer thereof. At least one of the holding means (10, 12) is movable to maximize the withdrawn optical signal and thus to align the fibers (30, 42). Preferably the apparatus comprises means for joining the ends of the aligned fibers (32, 40). The invention also includes novel splices which can be made in this way and novel splicing aids for use in the method. Suitable apparatus is illustrated in the drawing.
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