Invention:
This technology is a novel design for an optical coupler that is more robust, easier to fabricate, and not as fragile as a regular coupler. This technology has great potential for portability due to it's robust design and does not require tapered optical fibers with high nano-positioning requirements, making it easier to mass produce.
Background:
Regular optical resonator sensor systems use fragile optical fibers, which are prone to breakage at the coupler port if not properly cared for, making them non-portable. In addition, current optical coupler designs require tapered optical fibers with high nano-positioning requirements, which have to be carefully fabricated.
Applications:
- Optical resonators
- Sensor systems
- Telecommunications
Advantages:
- Less expensive and faster to produce than conventional tapered optical fiber couplers
- More robust and portable than regular optical fibers
- Not prone to breakage
- Can be produced in mass quantities
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,215,563
