Patent ID: 6203214
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A61B,A61F,G02B

Abstract:
Apparatus for aligning two optical fibers, comprising:(a) illumination means for projecting polarized light transversely through first and second optical fibers having discrete lengths and observable, internal asymmetric stress;(b) polarized light detection means for receiving the light passed transversely through said fibers and producing therefrom an electrically detected signal;(c) measuring means for creating first and second transverse intensity functions from variations in said electrically detected signal as said first and second optical fibers are rotated;(d) rotation means for rotating each of said first and second optical fibers about an axis through the lengths of said fibers; and(e) alignment means for laterally aligning a first end surface of said first optical fiber with a second end surface of said second optical fiber, whereby said first end surface and said second end surface are coincident and form a boundary between said first optical fiber and said second optical fiber.