Patent ID: 7488118
Filing Date: 2009-02-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical coupling element disposed between an optical fiber and an optical element that face each other, the optical coupling element optically coupling the optical fiber and the optical element, the optical coupling element comprising: a generally cylindrical optical coupling portion having a first end surface facing the optical fiber, a second end surface facing the optical element, and a generally cylindrical but tapered peripheral surface extending between the first and second end surfaces; and a projection projecting in a radial direction from the peripheral surface of the optical coupling portion, the projection being located off a center position between the first and second end surfaces, the projection having a first side surface on the optical fiber side and a second side surface on the optical element side, wherein a diameter of the optical coupling portion at a first position corresponding to the first side surface of the projection is substantially equal to a diameter of the optical coupling portion at a second position corresponding to the second side surface of the projection, and wherein the peripheral surface of the optical coupling portion includes: