Patent ID: 6661937
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G02B,G02F,H04B

Abstract:
A fiber-squeezing apparatus for modifying a birefringence in an optical fiber utilized in an optical communications component, the optical fiber having a longitudinal axis and a characteristic transverse axis associated with the birefringence of the optical fiber, the fiber-squeezing apparatus comprising:an actuator which selectively exerts a variable force on the optical fiber in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, and at a designated angular orientation relative to the characteristic transverse axis associated with the birefringence of the optical fiber; and a registration key engaging the optical fiber and the actuator to maintain the angular orientation between the optical fiber and the actuator, the registration key providing a plurality of available predetermined angular orientations from which the designated angular orientation is selected.