OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS INCLUDING OPTICAL RODS WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL PATTERNS THEREON AND RELATED STRUCTURES

摘要

An optical transmission system includes an optical rod (65) and a radiation source (63) coupled thereto. In particular, the optical rod (65) has a length of approximately 6 millimeters or less and a width of approximately 1mm or less, and the optical rod has a three-dimensional pattern (69a or 69b) on an end thereof. The radiation source is coupled to the optical rod so that radiation generated by the optical source is transmitted through the rod along an axis thereof and through the three-dimensional pattern thereon. This optical rod can have a cylindrical shape, and the three-dimensional pattern can be a diffractive pattern so that the end of the rod has a stepped profile. Radiation (61b) out of the rod (65) is thus focused into the core of the optical fiber (67). The three dimensional patterns are preferably diffractive patterns, but refractive patterns can also be used. Moreover, the laser, the rod and the fiber can be aligned using a substrate including a V-groove, or aligned within a sleeve (or tube).