U.S. patent application number 10/682869 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for plastic optical fiber with a lens portion, optical fiber connector, and connecting structures and methods between optical fibers and between optical and light emitting/receiving device.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Imada, Aya, Sakata, Hajima.
Application Number | 20040076375 10/682869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26589472 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040076375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imada, Aya ; et al. |
April 22, 2004 |
Plastic optical fiber with a lens portion, optical fiber connector,
and connecting structures and methods between optical fibers and
between optical and light emitting/receiving device
Abstract
A plastic optical fiber with a lens portion includes a plastic
optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end face, and a
lens portion having a function of controlling light rays. The lens
portion is formed of a refractive index adjusting material filled
in the concave portion and having a refractive index different from
a refractive index of the plastic optical fiber.
Inventors: |
Imada, Aya; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Sakata, Hajima; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
26589472 |
Appl. No.: |
10/682869 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10682869 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
|
|
|
09820621 |
Mar 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
6671432 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/4206 20130101;
G02B 6/32 20130101; G02B 6/4203 20130101; G02B 6/3846 20130101;
G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B 6/262 20130101; G02B 6/3801 20130101;
G02B 6/02033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/038 |
International
Class: |
G02B 006/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 5, 2000 |
JP |
2000-102898 |
Nov 6, 2000 |
JP |
2000-337172 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plastic optical fiber with a lens portion comprising: a
plastic optical fiber, a concave portion being formed on an end
face of said plastic optical fiber; and a lens portion having a
function of controlling light rays, said lens portion being formed
of a refractive index adjusting material filled in said concave
portion and having a refractive index different from a refractive
index of said plastic optical fiber.
2. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein said concave portion has a rotation-symmetrical shape
about an optical axis of said plastic optical fiber.
3. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
2, wherein said concave portion has a spherical shape about an
optical axis of said plastic optical fiber.
4. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein said refractive index adjusting material has a
refractive index larger than the refractive index of said plastic
optical fiber so that said lens portion is a light-condensing lens
portion.
5. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein said refractive index adjusting material comprises a
curable material.
6. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein an outer surface of said refractive index adjusting
material filled in said concave portion is substantially flat.
7. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein an outer surface of said refractive index adjusting
material filled in said concave portion is substantially
spherical.
8. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to claim
1, wherein a flat portion is formed around said concave portion on
the end face of said plastic optical fiber.
9. A plastic optical fiber with a lens portion comprising: a
plastic optical fiber; a concave portion, said concave portion
being formed on an end face of said plastic optical fiber and
having a function of controlling light rays; and a flat portion,
said flat portion being formed around said concave portion on the
end face of said plastic optical fiber.
10. A plastic optical fiber with a lens portion comprising: a
plastic optical fiber, a concave portion being formed on an end
face of said plastic optical fiber; and a lens portion having a
function of controlling light rays, said lens portion being formed
of a refractive index adjusting material filled in said concave
portion and having a refractive index larger than a refractive
index of said plastic optical fiber.
11. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 10, wherein said concave portion has a rotation-symmetrical
shape about an optical axis of said plastic optical fiber.
12. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 11, wherein said concave portion has a spherical shape about
an optical axis of said plastic optical fiber.
13. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 10, wherein said refractive index adjusting material
comprises a curable material.
14. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 10, wherein an outer surface of said refractive index
adjusting material filled in said concave portion is substantially
flat.
15. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 10, wherein an outer surface of said refractive index
adjusting material filled in said concave portion is substantially
spherical.
16. The plastic optical fiber with a lens portion according to
claim 10, wherein a flat portion is formed around said concave
portion on the end face of said plastic optical fiber.
17. A connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
comprising: a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed
on an end face of said plastic optical fiber, said plastic optical
fiber including a core and a cladding; and an optical fiber, said
optical fiber including a core and a cladding, and said optical
fiber being different from said plastic optical fiber in at least
one of a numerical aperture and a diameter of said core; wherein
said plastic optical fiber and said optical fiber are arranged with
their end faces opposed to each other, with a spacing interposed
between their end faces, and optically coupled to each other.
18. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 17, wherein said plastic optical fiber is larger
than said optical fiber in at least one of the numerical aperture
and a core diameter.
19. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 17, wherein said concave portion of said plastic
optical fiber is filled with a filler having a refractive index
larger than a refractive index of said core of said optical
fiber.
20. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 19, wherein said filler is curable.
21. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 17, wherein said concave portion of said plastic
optical fiber and its surroundings are filled with a filler having
a refractive index larger than a refractive index of said core of
said optical fiber.
22. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 21, wherein said filler is non-curable.
23. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 17, wherein said concave portion and its
surroundings are filled with air or gas whose refractive index is
smaller than a refractive index of said core of said plastic
optical fiber, and said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are optically coupled to transmit light from said optical
fiber to said plastic optical fiber.
24. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 17, wherein a flat portion is formed around said
concave portion on the end face of said plastic optical fiber.
25. The connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
according to claim 24, wherein said flat portion is caused to abut
a spacer such that said plastic optical fiber is aligned in an
optical-axial direction.
26. An optical fiber connector comprising: a plastic optical fiber
with a concave portion formed on an end face of said plastic
optical fiber, said plastic optical fiber including a core and a
cladding; an optical fiber with a core and a cladding, said optical
fiber being different from said plastic optical fiber in at least
one of a numerical aperture and a diameter of said core; a first
ferrule for holding said plastic optical fiber; a second ferrule
for holding said optical fiber; and a housing member for housing
said first ferrule and said second ferrule to arrange said plastic
optical fiber and said optical fiber with their inner end faces
opposed to each other and a spacing formed between their inner end
faces, and optically couple said plastic optical fiber and said
optical fiber.
27. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein said
housing member comprises a pair of semicylindrical split
sleeves.
28. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein said
housing member comprises an integral cylindrical member.
29. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein
outer end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are formed to lie in said housing member.
30. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein
outer end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are formed to lie on a plane which contains an end face of
said housing member.
31. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein
outer end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are formed non-parallel with an end face of said housing
member.
32. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein
outer end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are formed uneven.
33. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26 further
comprising connecting means for optically connecting an optical
device to said optical fiber, said connecting means being provided
on at least one of opposite end faces of said housing member.
34. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26, wherein
outer end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said optical
fiber are formed to lie outside an end face of said housing
member.
35. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26 further
comprising a filler filled in the spacing.
36. The optical fiber connector according to claim 26 further
comprising a spacer contained in said housing member and inserted
between inner end faces of said plastic optical fiber and said
optical fiber.
37. A method of connecting optical fibers comprising: preparing a
plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end
face, and a second optical fiber; filling the concave portion of
the plastic optical fiber with a refractive index adjusting
material; positioning end faces of the plastic optical fiber and
the second optical fiber in opposition to each other; and bonding
the end faces of the plastic optical fiber and the second optical
fiber to each other to optically couple the plastic optical fiber
and the second optical fiber.
38. The connecting method according to claim 37, wherein the second
optical fiber prepared in said preparing step is also a plastic
optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end face, which
is filled with the refractive index adjusting material.
39. The connecting method according to claim 37, wherein in said
filling step the concave portion is filled with refractive index
adjusting material comprising a resin adhesive.
40. The connecting method according to claim 37, further comprising
a step of hardening the refractive index adjusting material.
41. A connecting structure for connecting optical fibers
comprising: a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed
on its end face; a second optical fiber; and a refractive index
adjusting material filled in the concave portion of the plastic
optical fiber; wherein end faces of said plastic optical fiber and
said second optical fiber are opposed and bonded to each other to
optically couple said plastic optical fiber and said second optical
fiber to each other.
42. The connecting structure according to claim 41, wherein said
second optical fiber is also a plastic optical fiber with a concave
portion formed on its end face, which is filled with the refractive
index adjusting material.
43. The connecting structure according to claim 41, wherein the
refractive index adjusting material is a resin adhesive.
44. The connecting structure according to claim 41, wherein the
refractive index adjusting material is hardened.
45. A connecting structure of a plastic optical fiber and a
light-emitting/receiving device comprising: a plastic optical fiber
with a lens portion having a function of controlling light rays,
said lens portion being formed of a refractive index adjusting
material filled in a concave portion at an end face of said plastic
optical fiber and having a refractive index different from a
refractive index of said plastic optical fiber; a
light-emitting/receiving device; and a substrate with a holding
structure for holding said plastic optical fiber and an arranging
portion for arranging said light-emitting/receiving device thereon;
wherein said plastic optical fiber is held in the holding structure
to align said lens portion to said light-emitting/receiving device
arranged on said arranging portion and optically couple said
plastic optical fiber and said light-emitting/receiving device.
46. The connecting structure according to claim 45, wherein the
holding structure comprises a recess with a diameter larger than a
diameter of said plastic optical fiber, said arranging portion
comprises a bottom face of said recess, and a distance between said
plastic optical fiber and said light-emitting/receiving device is
adjusted by controlling an insertion depth of said plastic optical
fiber into said recess.
47. The connecting structure according to claim 45, wherein said
holding structure comprises a stepped recess with an upper opening
portion having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of said
plastic optical fiber and a lower opening portion having a diameter
smaller than the diameter of said plastic optical fiber and a
predetermined depth, said arranging portion comprises a bottom face
of said stepped recess, and a distance between said plastic optical
fiber and said light-emitting/receiving device is adjusted by
causing the end face of said plastic optical fiber to abut a
stepped face formed between said upper opening portion and said
lower opening portion.
48. The connecting structure according to claim 45, wherein said
refractive index adjusting material is non-curable, and said
non-curable refractive index adjusting material is filled in the
surroundings of the light-emitting/receiving device.
49. A method of optically connecting a plastic optical fiber to a
light-emitting/receiving device comprising: preparing a substrate
with a holding structure for holding a plastic optical fiber with a
lens portion formed at its end face and an arranging portion for
arranging a light-emitting/receiving device thereon; positioning
the light-emitting/receiving device on the arranging portion; and
holding the plastic optical fiber in the holding structure so that
the lens portion opposes the light-emitting/receiving device and
optically couples the plastic optical fiber and the
light-emitting/receiving device.
50. The method of optically connecting a plastic optical fiber to a
light-emitting/receiving device according to claim 49, wherein in
said preparing step the holding structure is prepared so as to
comprise a recess with a diameter slightly larger than a diameter
of the plastic optical fiber, the arranging portion is prepared so
as to comprise a bottom face of the recess, and a distance between
the plastic optical fiber and the light-emitting/receiving device
is adjusted by controlling an insertion depth of the plastic
optical fiber into the recess.
51. The method of optically connecting a plastic optical fiber to a
light-emitting/receiving device according to claim 49, wherein in
said preparing step the holding structure is prepared so as to
comprise a stepped recess with an upper opening portion with a
diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the plastic optical
fiber and a lower opening portion with a diameter smaller than the
diameter of the plastic optical fiber and a predetermined depth,
the arranging portion is prepared so as to comprise a bottom face
of the stepped recess, and a distance between the plastic optical
fiber and the light-emitting/receiving device is adjusted by
causing the end face of the plastic optical fiber to abut on a
stepped face formed between the upper opening portion and the lower
opening portion.
52. The method of optically connecting a plastic optical fiber to a
light-emitting/receiving device according to claim 49, further
comprising steps of providing a non-curable refractive index
adjusting material in a concave portion of the plastic optical
fiber defining the lens portion, and then inserting the plastic
optical fiber into the holding structure to fill the surroundings
of the light-emitting/receiving device with the non-curable
refractive index adjusting material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a plastic optical fiber
with a lens portion having a function of controlling light rays,
such as a light-condensing function, in which a concave recess such
as a spherical recess is formed on an end face of the plastic
optical fiber, and a refractive index adjusting material or filler
(including air or the like) with a refractive index different from
(typically larger than) that of the plastic optical fiber being
filled in the concave recess. The present invention also relates to
an optical fiber connector using the plastic optical fiber, a
connecting structure or method using the plastic optical fiber, a
light-emitting/receiving apparatus (this term means a
light-emitting or light-receiving apparatus in this specification)
in which a light-emitting/receiving device (this term means a
light-emitting or light-receiving device in this specification) is
combined with the plastic optical fiber with a lens portion, and
the like.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] In recent years, in order to enhance the coupling efficiency
between plastic optical fibers, or a plastic optical fiber and a
light-emitting device/receiving device, there have been proposed
some methods of forming a convex lens at the end face of the
plastic optical fiber. For example, Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 10(1998)-239538 discloses a method of forming a
spherical contour on the end face of a plastic optical fiber by
using a solvent, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
11(1999)-326689 discloses a method of forming a spherical contour
on the end face of a plastic optical fiber by immersing the end
thereof in an organic solvent containing an optical fiber material
and drying the end face after the optical fiber is lifted from the
solvent, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5(1993)-107427
discloses a method of forming a spherical contour on the end face
of an optical fiber by immersing the end thereof in a
photosensitive resin and hardening the end face after the optical
fiber is lifted from the resin, Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 8(1996)-75935 discloses a method of forming a lens
shape on the end face of an optical fiber by pressing the end face
thereof against a heated lens-forming mold, and Japanese Patent
Publication No. 62(1988)-57001 discloses a method of forming a
spherical surface on the end face of an optical fiber by heating
and softening the end thereof, using its surface tension.
[0005] Further, there have been proposed, for fabricating a concave
contour on the end face of a plastic optical fiber with a
refractive index distribution, a method of molding the end face of
an optical fiber by a heated metal mold, and a method of solving
the end face of an optical fiber by a solvent (see Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 11(1999)-242129).
[0006] However, end faces of those optical fibers all have convex
contours, and hence, alignment between such an optical fiber and a
light-emitting/receiving device is hard to achieve, compared to the
case of an optical fiber with a flat end face. Further, when the
end face of the optical fiber is caused to abut on an optical
device, a high pressure is likely to be applied to a portion of the
device, and therefore, there is a considerable possibility of
damaging the device.
[0007] Moreover, the transmission efficiency in long-distance
optical transmissions using optical fibers is greatly influenced by
coupling losses at connecting portions between optical fibers and
between an optical fiber and a light-emitting/receiving device. The
coupling loss is due to deviation of the optical axis, light
scattering on the end face of the optical fiber, and the like. A
variety of connecting methods using light-condensing lenses have
been conventionally proposed to reduce such coupling loss.
[0008] On the other hand, a large-diameter plastic optical fiber
that can be readily fabricated at a relatively low cost has been
recently developed, and is used in medium and short distance
networks. Where those local networks are connected to a trunk-line
network, there is a need of performing connection between
transmission light from devices with different core diameters or
numerical apertures, such as between large-diameter optical fiber
and crystal or silica-contained optical fiber. The numerical
aperture is determined by refractive indices of the medium around
the optical fiber, its core and its cladding, while the core
diameter is a physical size of the core of the optical fiber.
Therefore, those terms have different categories. Problem occurs in
the connection between optical fibers of which at least one of the
numerical aperture and the core diameter is different.
[0009] As a method of obtaining a high coupling efficiency in such
a connecting portion, there have been conventionally proposed
structures as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, there is
illustrated a numerical-aperture converting structure using a
light-condensing lens 403 such as a ball lens and a rod lens (see
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 60(1985)-61707 and
5(1993)-34545). In FIG. 2, there is shown a numerical-aperture
converting structure using a lensed optical fiber 414 whose end
face is shaped into a spherical convex contour. Representative
optical rays are indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Conversely, there has
also been proposed a method in which a concave lens or the like is
attached to the end face of an optical fiber with a smaller
numerical aperture.
[0010] In the structure of FIG. 1 having three elements or more,
however, there is the problem of deviation and inclination between
optical axes of optical fibers 402 and lens 403. Particularly,
alignment of a distance between end faces of the optical fibers
402, and fixation of the lens 403 are difficult, and resistance of
fixture thereof to external shocks is small. In FIG. 2, the
possibility of deviation in the optical system is lowered since a
light-condensing lens is integrated with the lensed optical fiber
414 and the number of optical devices (402 and 414) is hence
reduced to two. However, it is difficult to cause the end face of
the optical fiber 414 to abut on a spacer and fix the optical fiber
414 since its end face is spherical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
plastic optical fiber with a lens portion having a function of
controlling light rays, such as a light-condensing function, in
which a concave recess such as a spherical recess is formed on an
end face of the plastic optical fiber, and a refractive index
adjusting material or filler with a refractive index different from
(and typically larger than) that of the plastic optical fiber is
filled in the concave recess, an optical fiber connector using the
plastic optical fiber, a connecting structure or method using the
plastic optical fiber, a light-emitting/receiving apparatus in
which a light-emitting/receiving device is combined with the
plastic optical fiber with a lens portion, and the like.
[0012] In this specification, the plastic optical fiber means an
optical fiber whose core and cladding are made of a polymer, or an
optical fiber whose core is made of a polymer. In such a plastic
optical fiber, the cladding may be covered with a protective layer,
or a polymer jacket. Further, the plastic optical fiber may be a
step-index (SI) type wherein a refractive index along its radial
direction is uniform throughout but exhibits an abrupt step at its
core-cladding interface, a graded-index (GI) type wherein a
refractive index varies in some continuous fashion as a function of
radial distance, or the like.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a plastic optical fiber with a lens portion which includes
a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end
face, and a lens portion having a function of controlling light
rays. The lens portion is formed of a refractive index adjusting
material filled in the concave portion and having a refractive
index different from a refractive index of the plastic optical
fiber.
[0014] On the basis of the above structure, the following more
specific structures are possible.
[0015] The concave portion can have a configuration of a
rotation-symmetrical shape, such as a spherical shape, about an
optical axis of the plastic optical fiber. The concave portion may
also have an aspherical shape, when necessary.
[0016] The refractive index adjusting material typically has a
refractive index larger than the refractive index of the plastic
optical fiber to form the lens portion as a light-condensing lens
portion.
[0017] The refractive index adjusting material is curable or
non-curable, and an outer surface of the refractive index adjusting
material filled in the concave portion can be substantially flat or
spherical. The light controlling function can be obtained not only
at the adjusting material-fiber interface but at the adjusting
material-air interface. Therefore, large light-condensing power or
the like can be achieved even by a plastic optical fiber with a
flat end face or an end face of a large radius of curvature, and
hence, connection and alignment between the plastic optical fiber
and a light-emitting/receiving device or another optical fiber can
be performed more readily than a plastic optical fiber with a
considerably-convex end face.
[0018] A flat portion can be formed around the concave portion on
the end face of the plastic optical fiber.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a plastic optical fiber with a lens portion which
includes a plastic optical fiber, a concave portion formed on an
end face of the plastic optical fiber and having a function of
controlling light rays, and a flat portion formed around the
concave portion on the end face of the plastic optical fiber. When
this plastic optical fiber is used, a filler, such as non-curable
refractive index material, air, or nitrogen gas, is filled in the
concave portion and its surroundings.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a plastic optical fiber with a lens portion which
includes a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on
its end face, and a lens portion having a function of controlling
light rays. The lens portion is formed of a refractive index
adjusting material filled in the concave portion and having a
refractive index larger than a refractive index of the plastic
optical fiber. Generally the refractive index of the plastic
optical fiber is small (about 1.3), so its light-condensing
efficiency is not sufficient when it is optically connected to
another device. A sufficient light-condensing efficiency can be
obtained by the lens portion of a large refractive-index adjusting
material filled in the concave portion.
[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a plastic optical fiber with a lens portion which
includes a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on
its end face, and an optical fiber which is different from the
plastic optical fiber in at least one of a numerical aperture and a
core diameter. The plastic optical fiber and the optical fiber are
arranged with their end faces opposed to each other, a spacing
interposed between their end faces, and optically coupled to each
other.
[0022] Typically, the plastic optical fiber is larger than the
optical fiber in at least one of the numerical aperture and the
core diameter.
[0023] The concave portion of the plastic optical fiber can be
filled with a curable or non-curable filler having a refractive
index larger than a refractive index of the optical fiber.
[0024] The concave portion of the plastic optical fiber and its
surroundings can also be filled with a curable or non-curable
filler having a refractive index larger than a refractive index of
the optical fiber.
[0025] When the concave portion and its surroundings are filled
with air or gas whose refractive index is smaller than a refractive
index of the core of the plastic optical fiber, the plastic optical
fiber and the optical fiber are optically coupled in a direction
from the optical fiber to the plastic optical fiber.
[0026] When a flat portion is formed around the concave portion,
the flat portion can be caused to abut on a spacer such that the
plastic optical fiber is aligned in an optical-axial direction.
[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical fiber connector which includes a
plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end
face, an optical fiber that is different from the plastic optical
fiber in at least one of a numerical aperture and a core diameter,
a first ferrule for holding the plastic optical fiber, a second
ferrule for holding the optical fiber, and a housing member for
housing the first ferrule and the second ferrule to arrange the
plastic optical fiber and the optical fiber with their inner end
faces opposed to each other and a spacing formed between their
inner end faces, and to couple optically the plastic optical fiber
and the optical fiber.
[0028] The housing member can be a pair of semi-cylindrical split
sleeves, or an integral cylindrical member.
[0029] Outer end faces of the plastic optical fiber and the optical
fiber can be formed to lie in the housing member, or on a plane
which is the same as an end face of the housing member. Further,
the outer end faces of the plastic optical fiber and the optical
fiber can be formed non-parallel or parallel with the end face of
the housing member, or uneven.
[0030] The optical fiber connector can further include a connecting
unit, such as a threaded cylindrical member, for optically
connecting an optical device to the optical fiber.
[0031] The outer end faces of the plastic optical fiber and the
optical fiber can be formed to lie outside the end face of the
housing member.
[0032] A filler, such as a curable or non-curable resin, can be
filled in the spacing.
[0033] Further, a spacer can be contained in the housing member and
inserted between inner end faces of the plastic optical fiber and
the optical fiber.
[0034] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a connecting method of connecting optical fibers
in which a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on
its end face, and a second optical fiber are prepared, the concave
portion of the plastic optical fiber is filled with a refractive
index adjusting material, such as a resin adhesive, end faces of
the plastic optical fiber and the second optical fiber are opposed
to each other, and the end faces of the plastic optical fiber and
the second optical fiber are bonded to optically couple the plastic
optical fiber and the second optical fiber to each other.
[0035] The second optical fiber can also be a plastic optical fiber
with a concave portion formed on its end face, which is filled with
the refractive index adjusting material. The second optical fiber
can be a plastic optical fiber with a flat end face, or a
silica-contained or crystal optical fiber.
[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a connecting structure between optical fibers
which includes a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion
formed on its end face, a second optical fiber, and a refractive
index adjusting material, such as a resin adhesive, filled in the
concave portion of the plastic optical fiber. End faces of the
plastic optical fiber and the second optical fiber are opposed and
bonded to each other to optically couple the plastic optical fiber
and the second optical fiber to each other.
[0037] The refractive index adjusting material is typically
hardened finally. When the refractive index adjusting material is
non-curable, an adhesive needs to be applied to a periphery of the
opposed optical fibers to bond these optical fibers.
[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a connecting structure of a plastic optical fiber
and a light-emitting/receiving device which includes a plastic
optical fiber with a lens portion having a function of controlling
light rays, a light-emitting/receiving device, and a substrate with
a holding structure for holding the plastic optical fiber with the
lens portion formed at its end face and an arranging portion for
arranging the light-emitting/receiving device thereon. The lens
portion is formed of a refractive index adjusting material filled
in a concave portion on an end face of the plastic optical fiber
and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of
the plastic optical fiber. The plastic optical fiber is held in the
holding structure to align the lens portion to the
light-emitting/receiving device arranged on the arranging portion
and optically couple the plastic optical fiber and the
light-emitting/receiving device.
[0039] The holding structure can be a recess with a diameter
slightly larger than a diameter of the plastic optical fiber, the
arranging portion can be a bottom face of the recess, and a
distance between the plastic optical fiber and the
light-emitting/receiving device can be adjusted by controlling an
insertion depth of the plastic optical fiber into the recess.
[0040] The holding structure can also be a stepped recess with an
upper opening portion with a diameter slightly larger than a
diameter of the plastic optical fiber and a lower opening portion
with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the plastic optical
fiber and a predetermined depth. The arranging portion can be a
bottom face of the stepped recess, and a distance between the
plastic optical fiber and the light-emitting/receiving device can
be adjusted by causing the end face of the plastic optical fiber to
abut a stepped face formed between the upper opening portion and
the lower opening portion.
[0041] The refractive index adjusting material can be non-curable,
and the non-curable refractive index adjusting material can be
filled in the surroundings of the light-emitting/receiving
device.
[0042] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of optically connecting a plastic
optical fiber to a light-emitting/receiving device in which a
substrate is prepared with a holding structure for holding a
plastic optical fiber with a lens portion formed at its end face
and an arranging portion for arranging a light-emitting/receiving
device thereon, the light-emitting/receiving device is positioned
on the arranging portion, and the plastic optical fiber is set in
the holding structure to oppose the lens portion to the
light-emitting/receiving device and optically couple the plastic
optical fiber and the light-emitting/receiving device.
[0043] These and other advantages will be more readily understood
in connection with the following detailed description of the more
preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first prior
art connection between optical fibers.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second prior
art connection between optical fibers.
[0046] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a perspective
view of an end portion of a first embodiment of a plastic optical
fiber with a lens portion according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A.
[0048] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an end
portion of the first embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the
end portion of the first embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an end
portion of a second embodiment of a plastic optical fiber with a
lens portion according to the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the
end portion of the second embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third
embodiment of a light-emitting/receiving apparatus according to the
present invention, in which a plastic optical fiber with a lens
portion is optically coupled to a light-emitting/receiving
device.
[0053] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
modification of the third embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth
embodiment of a method of connecting two optical fibers according
to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an optical
fiber connecting structure fabricated by the fourth embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fifth
embodiment of an optical fiber connecting structure.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sixth
embodiment of an optical fiber connecting structure.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a seventh
embodiment of an optical fiber connecting structure.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an eighth
embodiment of an optical fiber connecting structure.
[0060] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a ninth
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
[0061] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a tenth
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
[0062] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an eleventh
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
[0063] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
modification of the eleventh embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a twelfth
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
[0065] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thirteenth
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
[0066] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourteenth
embodiment of an optical fiber connector.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] First Embodiment
[0068] A first embodiment is directed to a plastic optical fiber
with a lens portion. A method of fabricating the plastic optical
fiber and its structure will be described by reference to FIGS. 3A,
3B, 4A and 4B.
[0069] FIG. 3A illustrates a plastic optical fiber 1 with a
spherical recess 2 formed on its end face. The recess 2 can be
formed by pressing a heated smooth spherical convex mold against a
flat end face of the optical fiber 1 formed by a cutter, or by
dissolving the flat end face with a solvent. Typically, the
spherical recess 2 has a diameter smaller than that of the optical
fiber 1 but larger than a light propagating portion (in the case of
a SI plastic optical fiber, a core), and a flat face 2a remains
around the recess 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0070] A refractive index adjusting material 3 with a refractive
index larger than that of the plastic optical fiber 1 is filled in
the recess 2, and hardened. The thus-formed structure is
illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A shows a configuration in
which the adjusting material 3 is filled up to the same level as
the end face of the optical fiber 1, and hardened. Actually, the
surface of the adjusting material 3 slightly recedes from the end
face 2a of the optical fiber 1 due to surface tension of the
adjusting material 3, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. A curved face at
an edge of the surface of the adjusting material 3 has an effect of
impeding the light-condensing function, but this influence is
negligibly small since most of the surface of the adjusting medium
3 is flat (see light rays illustrated in FIG. 4B).
[0071] The refractive index adjusting material 3 has a refractive
index preferably in the range of about 1.40 to about 1.70. The
refractive index of a fluorine-contained plastic optical fiber is
about 1.35, and the refractive index of a polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA) optical fiber is about 1.49. A sufficient difference for
achieving the light-condensing effect can be obtained between
refractive indices of the optical fiber 1 and the adjusting
material 3. It is preferable that the adjusting material 3 is
sufficiently transparent and has non-foamy characteristics.
Further, when the adjusting material 3 is thermosetting, its
hardening temperature is preferably lower than a
thermally-softening temperature of the plastic optical fiber 1. The
hardening temperature is preferably less than 60.degree. C. in the
case of a PMMA optical fiber, and less than 100.degree. C. in the
case of a fluorine-contained plastic optical fiber.
[0072] The plastic optical fiber 1 with the recess 2 and the flat
portion 2a as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B itself can also be
used in a medium with a refractive index lower than that of the
core of the optical fiber 1, such as air and nitrogen gas, in
applicable cases.
[0073] Second Embodiment
[0074] A second embodiment is directed to a plastic optical fiber
with a lens portion, in which a refractive index adjusting material
13 is filled in a concave recess 12 up to a level slightly higher
than an end face 12a of a plastic optical fiber 11, and hardened as
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A convex lens is formed at the
interface between air and the refractive index adjusting material
13. The convex lens is shaped due to surface tension of the
adjusting material 13. A light-condensing effect can be obtained at
this interface in addition to at the interface between the optical
fiber 11 and the adjusting material 13. Here, the above outer
convex shape varies according to the kind of selected refractive
index adjusting material 13.
[0075] Third Embodiment
[0076] A third embodiment is directed to a light emitting/receiving
apparatus in which a light emitting/receiving device 24 arranged on
an alignment substrate 25 is optically coupled to a plastic optical
fiber 21 with a lens portion of this invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 6A.
[0077] In the third embodiment, the optical device 24 is arranged
on the bottom surface of a hole 28 formed in the alignment
substrate 25. The diameter of the hole 28 is slightly larger than
the diameter of the plastic optical fiber 21. The optical fiber 21
is inserted into the hole 28. In the structure of FIG. 6A, the end
face of the optical fiber 21 is appropriately set above the device
24 (for example, the end face of the optical fiber 21 abuts on the
face of the device 24), and the optical fiber 21 is fixed to the
substrate 25 with an adhesive (not shown).
[0078] A spherical recess 22 of the optical fiber 21 and the
refractive index of a refractive index adjusting material 23 can be
adjusted according to the size and location of the optical device
24.
[0079] When the distance between the end face of the optical fiber
21 and the optical device 24 must be set a little longer than that
of FIG. 6A, an alignment two-step hole 29 is preferably formed in a
substrate 26, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. The hole 29 consists of an
upper opening portion 29a with a diameter slightly larger than the
diameter of the plastic optical fiber 21 and a lower opening
portion 29b with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the
plastic optical fiber 21 and a predetermined depth (d). The end
face of the optical fiber 21 is caused to abut on a stepped face
29c formed between the upper opening portion 29a and the lower
opening portion 29b. The above distance is thus controlled. In this
embodiment, since the end face of the optical fiber 21 is flat or
only slightly protrudes while having a sufficiently large
light-condensing power, a pressure applied to the optical device 24
can be drastically reduced, compared to a conventional optical
fiber with a convex lens portion.
[0080] In the third embodiment and its modification, the refractive
index adjusting material 23 may be non-curable. In this case, the
non-curable refractive index adjusting material 23 is dropped in
the recess 22 of the plastic optical fiber 21, and the optical
fiber 21 is then inserted into the hole 28 or 29. Thus a spacing
around the optical device 24 is filled with the non-curable
material 23 which can also act as a thermal diffusion material.
[0081] Fourth Embodiment
[0082] A fourth embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between plastic optical fibers of this invention.
[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, a synthetic-resin adhesive 36 is
affluently filled in concave recesses 32 of plastic optical fibers
31 with the recesses 32, facing upward, such that the adhesive 36
protrudes from the end face of the optical fiber 31. The resin
adhesive 36 used here is preferably non-foamy.
[0084] The end faces of the plastic optical fibers 31 are then
opposed to each other under the condition that the loaded resin
adhesive 36 does not flow out, and the adhesive 36 is then hardened
by light or heat, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Hardened
synthetic-resin adhesive is indicated by reference numeral 37 in
FIG. 7B. It is preferable to cause the optical fibers 31 to oppose
to each other along a horizontal direction than along a vertical
direction, because even if an air foam is generated in the adhesive
36, the foam will move to the edge of a light propagating portion
of the optical fiber 31. Here, there is a possibility that the
adhesive 36 extends along the end face of the optical fiber 31 and
leaks out to the outer face of the optical fiber 31. This leakage
is, however, not disadvantageous as far as a spacing between end
faces of the optical fibers 31 is sufficiently small, because the
extended adhesive 36 has an effect of enhancing the bonding
intensity between the plastic optical fibers 31.
[0085] In a conventional connection between optical fibers, a
precise alignment is needed since a lens is interposed between flat
end faces of two optical fibers. In this embodiment, outer contours
of the optical fibers 31 only need to be coincident with each
other, and little positional deviation occurs at the connection
portion with time since the structure is totally integrated.
[0086] Fifth Embodiment
[0087] A fifth embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber of this
invention.
[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a plastic optical fiber 41 with a
large-diameter core 47 surrounded by a cladding 46 is optically
coupled to an optical fiber 42 (a silica-contained optical fiber,
an optical fiber with a polymer cladding) with a small-diameter
core.
[0089] In the construction of FIG. 8, a filler 48 with a refractive
index larger than that of the core 47 is filled in not only a
concave recess 44 formed on the end face of the plastic optical
fiber 41 but also its surroundings. The end face of the optical
fiber 42 is positioned close to a focal point of a light-condensing
lens consisting of the recess 44 and the filler 48 (see light ray
in FIG. 8). When the connecting portion is contained in a
cylindrical member such as a connector, the filler 48 may be
non-curable. In the case of a curable filler, there is little fear
that the optical system deviates due to the surrounding atmosphere,
since the connecting portion is sealed after the filler 48 is
hardened, though there is a little fear of deviation in the optical
axis due to contraction of the filler 48 at the time of curing.
[0090] Sixth Embodiment
[0091] A sixth embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with a lens
portion of this invention.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a plastic optical fiber 51 with a
large-diameter core 57 surrounded by a cladding 56 is optically
coupled to an optical fiber 52 with a small-diameter core. In the
plastic optical fiber 51, a curable filler 59 with a refractive
index larger than that of the core 57 is filled in a concave recess
54 of the optical fiber 51, and hardened to construct a
light-condensing lens.
[0093] Also in this embodiment, the end face of the small-diameter
optical fiber 52 is positioned close to a focal point of a
light-condensing lens consisting of the recess 54 and the filler 59
(see light ray in FIG. 9). The plastic optical fiber 51 and the
optical fiber 52 are fixed to a relationship as illustrated in FIG.
9, by an appropriate supporter or connector.
[0094] Seventh Embodiment
[0095] A seventh embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with a convex
lens portion of this invention.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a plastic optical fiber 61 with a
large-diameter core 67 surrounded by a cladding 66 is optically
coupled to an optical fiber 62 with a small-diameter core. In the
plastic optical fiber 61, a curable filler 69 with a refractive
index larger than that of the core 67 is filled in a concave recess
64 of the optical fiber 61 such that the outer surface of the
filler 69 protrudes from the end face of the optical fiber 61 due
to surface tension, and hardened to construct a light-condensing
convex lens. When the diameter of the recess 64 is smaller than
that of the plastic optical fiber 61, a flat surface is formed at
the periphery of the end face of the optical fiber 61. Therefore,
alignment in the optical-axial direction can be readily achieved by
pressing this flat surface against a spacer 65.
[0097] Also in this embodiment, the end face of the optical fiber
62 is positioned close to a focal point of a light-condensing
convex lens consisting of the recess 64 and the filler 69 (see
light ray in FIG. 10).
[0098] Where numerical apertures of the two optical fibers differ
so largely that a focal point of the large-diameter optical fiber
cannot be formed near the end face of small-diameter optical fiber
62 only by using a normal lensed optical fiber, a light-condensing
lens is further needed to be interposed between the two optical
fibers. In this embodiment, however, no further lens is needed
since the light-condensing convex lens consisting of the recess 64
and the filler 69 can achieve a sufficiently small focal length.
Thus, the number of optical components can be reduced, and the size
of the optical system can be decreased in the seventh
embodiment.
[0099] Eighth Embodiment
[0100] An eighth embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with a concave
recess of this invention.
[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 11, no material is filled in a
concave recess 74 of a plastic optical fiber 71 with a
large-diameter core 77 surrounded by a cladding 76, i.e., gas, such
as air or nitrogen gas, is filled in and around the recess 74. In
this embodiment, the numerical aperture of the plastic optical
fiber 71 is increased by the concave recess 74, and this structure
thus has the same effect as the case where a concave lens is
inserted before a flat face of a plastic optical fiber. Light
transmitted from a small-diameter optical fiber 72 to the
large-diameter optical fiber 71 can be highly effectively coupled
only by putting end faces of those optical fibers 71 and 72 close
to each other (see light ray in FIG. 11). Additionally, when the
recess 74 is formed as illustrated in FIG. 11, light reflected by
the end face of the optical fiber 71 and returned to the optical
fiber 72 can be reduced. This connecting structure is, however,
unsuitable for the case where light is to be transmitted from the
large-diameter optical fiber 71 to the small-diameter optical fiber
72. In this embodiment, a flat surface is formed around the recess
74 on the end face of the plastic optical fiber 71.
[0102] Ninth embodiment
[0103] A ninth embodiment is directed to an optical fiber connector
for connecting two optical fibers with different numerical
apertures or core diameters.
[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the connector of this embodiment
includes a large-diameter plastic optical fiber 81 with a concave
recess, a small-diameter optical fiber 82, a filler 88 filled in
the recess and a spacing between the two optical fibers 81 and 82
and having a refractive index larger than that of a core of the
plastic optical fiber 81, ferrules 84 and 85 for holding the
optical fibers 81 and 82, respectively, and a cylindrical member
86, such as a pair of slit sleeves, for integrating the ferrules 84
and 85 therein, which has a hollow space with a shape as
illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0105] The filler 88 may be either curable or non-curable. It is,
however, preferable, that the filler 88 is a two-liquid mixed resin
(i.e., epoxy resin) or a radiation-curable resin, but not a
material that reacts on contact with air to be hardened, since the
filler 88 is sealed within the cylindrical member 86 and cannot
react with air. Further, the filler 88 preferably has as small a
contraction coefficient as possible, and is non-foamy.
Additionally, the filler 88 is preferably a resin highly
transparent to wavelengths of propagating light used.
[0106] The connector of this embodiment can be fabricated in the
following manner. End portions of the optical fibers 81 and 82 are
inserted into the ferrules 84 and 85 and held thereby,
respectively, and the ferrules 84 and 85 are put in and fixed to
the split sleeves 86 as illustrated in FIG. 12. The sleeves 86 are
then coupled, and thereafter the curable resin 88 is injected into
a spacing between the optical fibers 81 and 82 and the recess of
the plastic optical fiber 81 through a hole (not shown) formed in
the sleeve 86, in such a manner that no foams are generated in the
resin 88. When the resin 88 is the two-liquid mixed material, the
resin 88 may be left as it is. When the resin 88 is the
radiation-curable material, ultraviolet radiation or visible rays
are applied to the resin 88 to harden it. Light rays may be applied
through the optical fiber 81 or 82. When the split sleeves 86 are
transparent, light rays may be applied through the transparent
sleeves 86.
[0107] To outer side flat faces of the optical connector of FIG.
12, an optical fiber, a silica-contained waveguide, a photodiode, a
semiconductor laser, or the like can be attached by using an
appropriate connecting means.
[0108] Tenth Embodiment
[0109] A tenth embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with a concave
recess of this invention.
[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 13, an integral cylindrical member 96
with a cylindrical hollow is used in the tenth embodiment. In this
embodiment, a cylindrical spacer 97 with a cylindrical hollow space
is inserted into the cylindrical member 96, a ferrule 94 to which a
plastic optical fiber 91 with a concave recess is attached is
inserted into the cylindrical member 96, and a filler 98 is filled
in the spacer 97. Thereafter, another ferrule 95 to which an
optical fiber 92 is attached is inserted into the cylindrical
member 96 from the other side, and all of the components are fixed
by fitting annular stuffing members 99 into annular grooves on
outer faces of the ferrules 94 and 95, respectively.
[0111] To outer faces of the optical connector of FIG. 13, an
optical fiber, a silica-contained waveguide, a photodiode, a
semiconductor laser, or the like can be attached by using an
appropriate connecting means.
[0112] Eleventh Embodiment
[0113] An eleventh embodiment is directed to a connecting structure
between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with a concave
recess of this invention.
[0114] In the eleventh embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and
14B (FIG. 14B illustrates its modification), outer faces of
ferrules 104 and 105 (105') and optical fibers 101 and 102 (102')
contained in a cylindrical member 106, such as a pair of split
sleeves, are not parallel with end faces of the cylindrical member
106, and instead are shaped into slanted faces or uneven faces. A
ferrule 110 (110') with a complementary shape to this slant or
uneven face is inserted into the cylindrical member 106 to couple
an optical fiber 111 (111') or the like to the optical fiber 101 or
102 (102') contained in the cylindrical member 106. The end portion
of the optical fiber 111 (111') is held by the ferrule 110 (110').
The cylindrical member 106 also contains a spacer 107 and a filler
108.
[0115] In this structure, the positional relationship between the
optical fiber 101 or 102 (102') in the cylindrical member 106 and
the external optical fiber 111 (111') or the like is structurally
determined automatically when those are coupled to each other.
[0116] To the ferrule 110 (110'), a silica-contained waveguide, a
photodiode, a semiconductor laser, or the like can be attached as
well as the optical fiber 111 (111'). As for other points, the
eleventh embodiment is the same as the ninth or tenth
embodiment.
[0117] Twelfth Embodiment
[0118] A twelfth embodiment is directed to an optical fiber
connector with coupling means between an optical fiber and a
plastic optical fiber with a concave recess of this invention.
[0119] In the optical fiber connector of the twelfth embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 15, connecting ports 143 and 144 are fixed to
opposite end faces of an optical fiber connector, respectively,
whose structure is substantially the same as that of the tenth
embodiment. The connector of this embodiment includes a
large-diameter plastic optical fiber 121 with a concave recess, a
small-diameter optical fiber 122, a filler 128 filled in the recess
and a spacing between the two optical fibers 121 and 122 and (the
filler 128 having a refractive index larger than that of a core of
the plastic optical fiber 121), ferrules 141 and 142 for holding
the optical fibers 121 and 122, respectively, a cylindrical spacer
146, and a cylindrical member 140, such as a pair of slit sleeves,
for integrating the ferrules 141 and 142 therein which has a hollow
space with a shape as illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0120] The connecting port 143 or 144 is a receptacle of an FC type
connector, a receptacle of an SC type connector, or the like. A
thread is formed on the outer face of the cylindrical receptacle
143 or 144. An optical fiber, a silica-contained waveguide, a
photodiode, a semiconductor laser, or the like can be attached to
the connecting port 143 or 144 by threading a connector with an
internal thread on its inner surface into the thread of the
connecting port 143 or 144.
[0121] Thirteenth Embodiment
[0122] A thirteenth embodiment is directed to another optical fiber
connector with coupling means between an optical fiber and a
plastic optical fiber with a concave recess of this invention.
[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a connecting port 243 or 244 is
fixed to each end face of an optical fiber connector whose
structure is substantially the same as that of the eleventh
embodiment. The connector of this embodiment includes a plastic
optical fiber 221 with a concave recess, a small-diameter optical
fiber 222, a filler 228 filled in the recess and a spacing between
the two optical fibers 221 and 222 and (the filler 228 having a
refractive index larger than that of a core of the plastic optical
fiber 221), ferrules 241 and 242 for holding the optical fibers 221
and 222, respectively, a cylindrical spacer 246, a cylindrical
member 240, such as a pair of split sleeves, for integrating the
ferrules 241 and 242 therein which has a hollow space with a shape
as illustrated in FIG. 16, and connecting ports 243 and 244
attached to opposite end faces of the cylindrical member 240,
respectively.
[0124] The connecting port 243 or 244 is the same as the
cylindrical receptacle 143 or 144 of the twelfth embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 16, outer faces of ferrules 241 and 242 and
optical fibers 221 and 222 inserted into the cylindrical member 240
are not parallel to end faces of the cylindrical member 240, and
instead are shaped into slanted faces. A ferrule with a
complementary shape to this slanted face is inserted into the
cylindrical member 240, and structurally automatically positioned
relative to the ferrule 241 or 242 to couple an optical fiber or
the like to the optical fiber 221 or 222 contained in the
cylindrical member 240, and a female thread connector is then
threaded into the receptacle 243 or 244 with the male thread. In
this structure, accurate and easy optical coupling can be achieved
between two optical devices.
[0125] Fourteenth Embodiment
[0126] A fourteenth embodiment is directed to an optical fiber
connector between an optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber with
a concave recess of this invention.
[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 17, a connector of this embodiment
includes a plastic optical fiber 321 with a concave recess on its
end face, a small-diameter optical fiber 322, a filler 328 filled
in the recess and a spacing between the two optical fibers 321 and
322 and (the filler 328 having a refractive index larger than that
of a core of the plastic optical fiber 321), ferrules 341 and 342
for holding the optical fibers 321 and 322, respectively, a
cylindrical spacer 346, and a cylindrical member 340, such as a
pair of split sleeves, for integrating the ferrules 341 and 342
therein, the cylindrical member 340 having a hollow space with a
shape as illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0128] In this embodiment, each ferrule 341 or 342 has a
cylindrical portion extending outward from the cylindrical member
340, and the optical fibers 321 and 322 also extend outward as
illustrated in FIG. 17. In an optical distributor for connecting a
trunk line to a local area network in an office or home, it is
possible to use the above optical fiber connector like a normal
optical fiber at the connecting point between a silica-contained
optical fiber and a multi-mode optical fiber. Here, optical
coupling can be achieved without complicate work at the connecting
point, and so the optical network system can be readily built at a
relatively low cost.
[0129] While the present invention has been described with respect
to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *