Edward P Link

US Patent:

46981233, Oct 6, 1987

Filed:

Nov 12, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/929687

Inventors:

Edward P. Link - Rochester NY
John P. Kerwawycz - Henrietta NY

Assignee:

Xerox Corporation - Stamford CT

International Classification:

C23F 102
B44C 122
C03C 1500
C03C 2506

US Classification:

156634

Abstract:

An optical fiber sensing device and fabrication method therefor, wherein a plurality of individual glass fibers included therein is automatically electrostatically aligned. In the preferred embodiment, a rigid, metal-clad insulative substrate is photolithographically patterned and etched to prepare precise metal lines and connecting bus for the accurate placement of the optical fibers. A 10 kv potential between the etched lines and the fibers will attract and align the fibers with the metal lines. While the optical fibers are held aligned with the metal lines, they are secured thereto by a fast drying adhesive and then the potential released. One edge of the substrate with the attached fibers is diced. The ends of the fibers formed by the dicing operation are used as light transmitters or receivers, while the opposite ends of these fibers are connected to respective light sources and photosensing circuits. A droplet sensor may be formed by mating the surfaces of two substrates containing the adhered fibers together, with the fibers of one substrate being adjacent the fibers of the other, but offset by one fiber diameter.