Low-loss single filament fiber optic connector with three concentric tapered members for each filaments

摘要

Single filament fiber optic cables are aligned within a connector to provide low-loss light transmittance from one to the other. Since it is virtually impossible to drill holes in a connector as small as the five thousandths of an inch typical diameter of a single filament fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable ends are bonded within a section of micro-tubing, of the stainless steel type used for the micro syringe portion of a hyperdermic needle. The single filament fiber optic cable ends thus bonded within the micro-tubing, are received within terminal members of a selected metal material having internal bores which are readily drilled by conventional means to receive the micro-tubing having the ends of the fiber optic cables bonded therein. This assembly is made by force fit and each such assembled terminal of the single filament fiber optic cable is optically ground and polished at its end. Two such fiber optic cable end terminals, which preferably have a slight taper, are received into a central cylindrical member which has a configuring taper and aligns the two single filament fiber optic cable ends to facilitate the transmittance of optical energy with minimal light loss. A suitable end cap at each end of the central member retains the two terminal members in desired abutting alignment. Preferably, the central cylindrical member is fabricated of a metal dissimilar to the metal of the terminal members which it receives in its internal bore.