Optical splice and method for making the same

摘要

The present invention pertains to an optical splice. The optical splice includes a member having an alignment cavity which receives optical waveguides and allows light to pass there between. The member is made of a material that is moldable such that when an optical waveguide is received by the member, the alignment cavity expands but constricts about the optical waveguide in a predetermined position. The member has a plurality of funnels which communicate with the alignment cavity and guide an optical waveguide into the alignment cavity where it is received thereby. The present invention also pertains to a method for making a funnel in a member. The method includes the steps of placing a drawn-down end of a capillary into a mold; inserting an alignment rod into the mold and the capillary through the drawn-down end thereof; filling the mold with a curable material; allowing the material to cure to form the member; and removing the alignment rod and capillary from the member to form in the member an alignment cavity with a funnel. In a preferred embodiment the member is an optical splice.