Process for cutting an optical fiber

Abstract

A process for cutting or splitting at least one optical fiber at a predetermined angle, wherein the fiber is introduced into a holding and positioning device and is cut by a pulsed laser beam.

1 . A process for cutting at least one optical fiber, the process comprising the steps of: 
 introducing a glass fiber into a holding and positioning device;    actuating a laser device to deliver a beam having a power suitable for sublimating glass; and    effecting the relative movement of said beam across said glass fiber along a path comprising two predetermined angles, thereby sublimating glass and cutting said glass fiber along said path to shape a wedge on the end face of the fiber.    
     
     
         2 . A process for cutting at least one optical fiber, the process comprising the steps of: 
 introducing a glass fiber into a holding and positioning device;    actuating a laser device to deliver a beam having a power suitable for sublimating glass; and    effecting the relative movement of said beam across said glass fiber along a path having a predetermined angle, thereby sublimating glass and cutting said glass fiber along said path, said predetermined angle being repeatable within less than +/−0.5° at the core region.    
     
     
         3 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said beam is a continuation wave.  
     
     
         4 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein said beam is pulsed.  
     
     
         5 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the laser is a CO 2  laser.  
     
     
         6 . A fiber prepared in accordance with the process of  claim 1.