| 摘要 |
An improved optical fiber connection system comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers are particularly preferred for fabricating attenuator elements as they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions. Preferably, a disc-like attenuator element is punch-cut from a sheet of a silicone elastomer and inserted into the sleeve of an optical connector apparatus adjacent the end portion of an optical fiber to provide a simplified method of fabrication. Alternatively, the silicone attenuator element may be fabricated by liquid injection molding technology. The approximate reflectance of the inventive silicone attenuators at wavelengths of about 1310 nm measured at 23 DEG C. is less than -50 dB.
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