Coupling arrangement for optical waveguides and method of manufacturing

Abstract

An arrangement for coupling the ends of optical waveguides includes a housing including at least one first passage for receiving the optical waveguide ends, a second passage for accommodating a plurality of pressing bodies, and at least one slot which extends along an arcuate course between the first and second passages and separates a clamping portion situated between the passages from the remainder of the housing which is constructed as a unitary body. The partial separation of the clamping portion from the remainder of the housing body permits it to resiliently yield to the pressure exerted by the pressing bodies, and thus to clamp the waveguide end in the first passage. A plurality of the first passages may be provided in the housing body around the second passage, each connected with the second passage by an arcuate slot. Another slot may surround the first passage at a distance therefrom. The slots may be formed, subsequent to the provision of the passages, by wire erosion or by electrochemical dissolution of the material of the housing body by an appropriately shaped tool.