Signal coupler for buffered optical fibers

摘要

A signal coupler for buffered optical fibers comprises a soft, transparent, polymeric rod against which the fiber is pressed by a rigid "key" having regularly spaced protrusions which induce periodic microbending of the fiber. An optical signal passing down the fiber may be coupled into the polymeric rod by the key pressing the fiber into the rod, and the signal extracted from the end of the rod. A similar process may be used to inject an optical signal into the fiber. The coupler may be used either as a termination for a fiber or as part of a non-destructive tap. The induced attenuation and the intensity of the extracted signal may be varied by varying the pressure on the key.