Fiber-optic bundle and collimator assembly

U.S. Patent Number: 5394493

Abstract: There is presented a fiber-optic bundle and collimator assembly comprising plurality of bodies of cylindrical configuration and of equal diameter arranged side by side in a hexagonal close-packed configuration, a retainer for retaining the bodies in the close-packed configuration, and a potting material for locking the bodies in position. A plurality of the bodies and fiber-optic ferrules have therein a single optical fiber. A remainder of the bodies are non-optical fiber bearing ferrules in alignment width-wise of the assembly to form a collimator assembly face. The fiber-optic ferrules are each recessed from the assembly face to form a pocket. A spacer is disposed in each pocket and abuts a fiber-optic ferrule, and a spherical lens is disposed in each pocket and abuts a spacer. Each of the lenses is of the same diameter as its associated fiber-optic ferrule, and has its axis in alignment with the axis of the associated fiber-optic ferrule optical fiber.

Inventors: Ames; Gregory H. (Gales Ferry, CT)

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington, DC)

Application Number: 08/287,029

Issued: 1995-02-28

Expired: 2007-02-28

Classes: 385/35 ; 385/78

Field of search: 385/74,78,35,900,64,82,54

Click the image above to view patent images at uspto.gov within a frame.

Click here for the fulltext page on uspto.gov within a frame.