Ernest P Rich

US Patent:

6674947, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Feb 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/792423

Inventors:

Irfan Camlibel - Bedminster NJ
Jonathan Sherman - Caldwell ID
Theodore C. Rich - Basking Ridge NJ
Ernest J. Rich - Princeton NJ

Assignee:

Fiberguide Industries, Inc. - Stirling NJ

International Classification:

G02B 604

US Classification:

385115, 385120, 385 85

Abstract:

A system of making high density optical fiber arrays that includes securing the optical fiber ends in the housing front mask openings, then lapping the fiber ends and front mask forward surface to angle the fiber end front surfaces so that reflected wave energy does not interfere with optical signal data when transmitted during use. The opening pattern is preferably 2Ã2 to 128Ã128 or higher. Several alternate lap tool designs are disclosed including translational and rotating laps formed from solid bodies or a series of stacked plates. Standard slurry grinding and polishing compounds can be applied as desired. If a layer of epoxy originally covers the mask front face, it is removed by the lap tool as the fiber ends are lapped.