Method for molding a shaped optical fiber tip

摘要

A method for shaping an end of an optical fiber having a core to provide a novel optical fiber (or waveguide) includes the steps of contacting the fiber against a mold having a predetermined shape, The fiber and/or mold is heated. The fibers can be made of silica. The method is well suited for making wedge-shaped (i.e., standard screwdriver-like shaped) fiber tips. In addition, an apparatus for molding a shaped tip precisely located with respect to a core of an optical fiber includes a mold having one or more surfaces of the mold being configured and dimensioned to impart a predetermined shape to an end of an optical fiber contacted therewith, the predetermined shape being precisely located with respect to the core of the optical fiber.