Infrared optical fiber coupler

摘要

An infrared fiber optic coupler and a method for making an infrared fiber optic coupler are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: braiding first and second infrared transmitting glass fibers to form first and second arms of the infrared fiber optic coupler; inserting the braided first and second infrared transmitting glass fibers through a furnace; securing the braided glass fibers by two clamping mechanisms on first and second sides of the furnace; purging the furnace of water vapor and oxygen with a steady flow of inert gas through the furnace; allowing infrared light to pass through one of the first and second arms of the coupler; detecting the infrared signals from the first and second arms of the coupler in first and second infrared detectors; comparing the detected signals to develop a coupling ratio between the first and second arms of the coupler; turning the furnace on to heat the first and second braided glass fibers to the point where the glass fibers begin to darken in color; translating the second clamping mechanism to produce a tautness on the first and second braided glass fibers until the desired coupling ratio has been achieved; turning the furnace off; maintaining tension on the first and second braided glass fibers until the fibers cool to rigidity; and turning off the gas flow.