Optical fiber bulkhead feedthrough assembly and method of making same

Abstract

In an optical waveguide bulkhead feedthrough assembly, and method of making such an assembly, a housing includes at least one sealing surface and has a tubular member disposed therein that defines an axially elongated, annular surface, and the annular surface forms an axially elongated optical feedthrough cavity. An optical fiber or like waveguide is received through the axially-elongated optical feedthrough cavity, and is spaced radially inwardly relative to the annular surface to thereby define an axially-elongated annular cavity between the fiber and annular surface. An epoxy adhesive is introduced in its liquid phase into one end of the annular cavity, and is allowed to fill the annular cavity by capillary action. Upon filling the annular cavity, the epoxy hardens and cures and, in turn, adhesively secures the optical fiber within the tubular member. The annular surface defines a plurality of constrictions in the annular cavity to further secure the solid epoxy plug within the cavity, and prevent the plug from moving in response to axially-directed forces encountered in high pressure and/or high temperature applications. The optical waveguide bulkhead feedthrough assembly also includes an o-ring and compression seal to seal against mating bulkhead surfaces. The optical waveguide bulkhead feedthrough assembly further includes a compression nut disposed on the shoulder to fixedly mount the assembly within a bulkhead.