OPTICAL FIBER COUPLING COMPONENT AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

摘要

An optical fiber coupling component that reduces the difficulty of core alignment operation, lowers any coupling loss and is free from deterioration of optical performance. An optical fiber is fusion spliced to an end of GRIN lens of quartz glass containing as a refractive index regulating substance at least one member selected from among Sb₂O₃, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂ and ZrO₂. Any deterioration of optical performance can be avoided as no adhesive is used, and the core alignment between the GRIN lens and the optical fiber can be facilitated by self alignment effects. Further, the coupling loss can be strikingly reduced by causing the refractive index distribution constant (g) of GRIN lens to fall within an appropriate range.