Patent ID: 6328837
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
A method for making a fiber optic interferometer comprising the steps of:spraying a winding spool having a first part and a second part with a mold release compound;inserting an optical fiber into a hole on the second part of a winding spool;joining polished sides of the first and second parts of the winding spool together using a connector to form an assembled winding spool;inserting the assembled winding spool in to a winding machine so that the optical fiber forms smoothly over the winding spool;adjusting tension of the optical fiber;rotating the spool to draw optical fiber onto the spool;wicking a bonding agent onto the spool in the gap formed between the first part and the second part by a shoulder on the second part;setting a rotation speed of the spool to a predetermined rate;stopping the rotation speed of the spool when a predetermined quantity of optical fiber has been wound onto the spool to form a formed coil;removing excess bonding agent from the spool and allowing the formed coil to cure for a predetermined period of time, thereby forming a cured coil; andremoving the cured coil from the winding spool.