Lensed fiber optic coupler

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention is an optical fiber having a modified geometry. The optical fiber includes an optical fiber portion. The optical fiber portion can have a first fiber end face and a cylindrical fiber surface encircling the first fiber end face. The optical fiber having a modified geometry also includes a contoured surface formed from the first fiber end face. The contoured surface does not extend beyond the cylindrical fiber surface. A reflective coating disposed on the contoured surface and an optical transmission region formed from a portion of the cylindrical fiber surface are also included in the optical fiber having a modified geometry.

1 - 20 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       21 . A method of fabricating a lensed fiber, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing an optical fiber portion with at least one fiber end face;    removing a portion of the at least one fiber end face so that the at least one fiber end face is inclined at an angle with respect to an axis passing through the center of the coreless optical fiber;    polishing the optical fiber end face in order to form a contoured surface; and    applying a reflective coating to the contoured surface.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the optical fiber is a coreless optical fiber.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the contoured surface forms part of a cylindrical lens.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the contoured surface is defined by a cylindrical radius R and a fiber length L.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the angle is substantially 45 degrees.