USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Scott L Patton

Robert Michael Payton

A method and apparatus for establishing predetermined patterns in a selec region of an optical waveguide. A positioning device holds the waveguide proximate a radiation source. The radiation source defines a radiation pattern corresponding to the desired patterns. The resulting radiation patterns induce a loss in the light transmission capability in a portion of the waveguide that contains a radiation sensitive constituent and that the radiation penetrates. Thereafter the optical waveguide ages to reach an equilibrium state. Thereafter, the irradiated areas form the predetermined patterns in the optical waveguide. The patterns may take the form of Bragg gratings in the waveguide.

Method for irradiating patterns in optical waveguides containing

The invention comprises a fixture and method for holding optical waveguid such as fiber optic cable, in a relatively stable fashion for processing. The fixture includes a first frame and a second frame, releasably securable to the first frame to form a unitary structure. Chambers disposed in at least one of the frames are adapted for removably receiving optical fiber cable when the first and second frames are released from one another and for securely retaining with molding material optical fiber cables when the first and second frames form the unitary structure. A process area is defined in the unitary structure such that segments of optical fiber cables secured therein are accessible in the process area for processing. An optional coating fixture is securable to said unitary structure for forming with a molding material a protective coating about the cable segments in the processing area.

Fiber optic handling and coating fixture

A method and apparatus for photobleaching predetermined patterns in an opal waveguide. The apparatus irradiates the optical waveguide generally held in a fixture. The irradiation includes a selected region or regions of the optical waveguide or the entire optical waveguide. The radiation interacts with radiation sensitive constituents in the optical waveguide to induce a light transmission loss. After the irradiation is completed, the optical waveguide is allowed to age whereby the light transmission recovers to an equilibrium less value. Light beams photobleach predetermined patterns into the previously irradiated region or regions. The patterns may take the form of Bragg gratings in the waveguide.

Growing community of inventors

Westerly, RI, United States of America

Scott L Patton