Low-cost planar star-coupling structure for large-core polymer optical fibers

摘要

A low-cost star-coupler assembly primarily for use in optical data networks is fabricated from three modular components. The first component is a support plate having at least two sets of grooves into which polymer optical fibers may be placed and a central aperture. The second component is a waveguide plate which is designed to fit in the aperture. The third component is a cover plate having alignment means for aligning the components in fixed relationship and for holding polymer optical fibers in the grooves securely in place. The coupling structure is most useful with large-core polymer optical fibers. The modular design facilitates replacement of fibers. The components may be fabricated by injection molding thereby reducing the cost.