Method and apparatus for monitoring optical fiber lapping and polishing

摘要

In this invention, the depth of lapping an optical flat on optic fibers is monitored while the fiber is mounted on the lapping fixture. A collimated light beam is tangentially incident upon the optical flat. A portion of the incident light is transmitted into the optic fiber. A light intensity monitor coupled to the end of the optic fiber measures the amount of transmitted light relative to a standard value. The amount of light transmitted is a function of the surface area of the optical flat. A monitor measurement of a predetermined intensity level indicates sufficient material has been removed from the optical fiber.