Abstract

Several methods of fabricating fused-fiber couplers have been reported.^1–5 The coupler which appears to be generating the most interest is that which uses the biconical taper technique.² The tapered region in these couplers is drawn to a small diameter and is typically suspended in air, since direct contact with a potting compound can degrade performance. This air suspension can complicate package design for high mechanical reliability, hermeticity, and/or high-pressure applications. Other coupler fabrication techniques generally require precision cleaving and tapering for fusion between matched fiber endfaces.^3–5

© 1985 Optical Society of America