Patent ID: 8274732
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: G02B,H01S

Abstract:
1. An optical module, comprising: an amplification optical fiber including: a core through which light to be amplified propagates; a first cladding which is provided on an outer periphery of the core and through which pumping light propagates; and a second cladding having a lower refractive index than the first cladding and functioning as a cover resin to the first cladding; a pumping light source supplying the pumping light to the amplification optical fiber; a transmission optical fiber allowing single mode propagation of the light to be amplified, the transmission optical fiber being provided on the end from which the pumping light is outputted, of the ends of the amplification optical fiber; and a fusion splicing structure connecting the amplification optical fiber to the transmission optical fiber, in a state where a cover resin is removed at the tip portions, including the end faces, of the amplification optical fiber and the transmission optical fiber, wherein the fusion splicing structure includes: a pumping light removing resin that makes up part or the entirety of a protective sleeve that covers directly the tip portions of the amplification optical fiber and the transmission optical fiber from which the cover resin is removed, the pumping light removing resin having a higher refractive index than the first cladding; and a reinforcing member that resists heat shrinkage of the protective sleeve, while a portion of the reinforcing member, including at least one of the ends thereof, is disposed outside the pumping light removing resin, the rest of the reinforcing member being disposed inside the protective sleeve, whereby heat that accumulates in the reinforcing member is transported through a projecting portion of the reinforcing member that includes the other end thereof and that is exposed from the pumping light removing resin.