Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation

Jesse Anderegg

Allen H Tanner

Bret D Winkler

A system and method for polishing an optical fiber with a polishing lap. The system comprises a substrate, an optical fiber disposed on the substrate so as to be outwardly curved, and an electrical conductor disposed over the outward curve of the optical fiber. A voltage source is connected to the electrical conductor, and the polishing lap is configured to initially abrade the electrical conductor to cause severance thereof. The position of the polishing lap when the electrical conductor is severed represents a reference point approximately indicating the surface of the optical fiber. A detector connected to the electrical conductor detects a change in voltage therein, indicating severance of the electrical conductor, and subsequently monitors the polishing depth relative to the reference point.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Jesse Anderegg