CREEP-RESISTANT OPTICAL FIBER ATTACHMENT

摘要

A creep-resistant optical fiber attachment includes an optical waveguide (10), such as an optical fiber, having a cladding (12) and a core (14), having a variation region (16) (expanded or recessed) of an outer dimension of the waveguide (10) and a structure, such as a ferrule (30), disposed against at least a portion of the variation region (16). The ferrule (30) has a size and shape that mechanically locks the ferrule (30) to the variation (16), thereby attaching the fiber (10) to the ferrule (30) with minimal relative movement (or creep) in at least one direction between the fiber (10) and the ferrule (30). The ferrule (30) may be attached to or part of a larger structure, such as a housing (62). The variation (16) and the ferrule (30) may have various different shapes and sizes. There may also be a buffer layer (18) between the cladding (12) and the ferrule (30) to protect the fiber (10) and/or to help secure the ferrule (30) to the fiber (10) to minimize creep.