Method and apparatus for interconnecting optical wave guides

摘要

Optical wave guides are interconnected with the use of two interfitting shell parts which when fitted together form a continuous tubular channel for receiving the wave guides between there. For this purpose a carrier shell part is provided with a continuous longitudinal groove of a size to accommodate a cover shell part and each part has a longitudinally extending receiving channel portion of complementary form which fit together and form a continuous receiving channel for the optical wave guides which are to be interconnected. After the wave guides are placed end to end in the longitudinally extending wave guide receiving channels defined in the carrier shell, a cover shell is engaged over the carrier shell in a manner which positions it complementary optical wave guide channel with the wave guide channel defined on the carrier shell portion. Wave guide channels are advantageously made with curved up portions at respective ends of the interfitting carrier shell and cover shell. Advantageously, the cover shell has terminal rib portions which engage over weak edges of the outer surface of the wave guide carrier shell.