Precision Positioner for Aligning Optical Fibers.
Abstract
The invention is a precision optical fiber positioner that manipulates optical fibers by means of a variable magnetic field. Iron particles are applied to the optical fiber by impregnating an epoxy with the iron particles and coating a section of the fiber with the epoxy. The fiber is then placed adjacent the negative and positive poles respectively of first and second orthogonal electromagnets. Each electromagnet is fed through a separate feed circuit from a common dc source. Each feed circuit consists of a current source controlled by a variable resistor. Simultaneous control of the variable resistors by means of a joystick varies the magnetic field strength and direction. The iron particles (and the fiber to which they are attached) move in response to the changing magnetic field. Manipulation of the joystick therefore positions the fiber. Course and fine adjustments are made by changing the voltage level of the electromagnetic dc source.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 03, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADD009254
Entities
People
- Stefan A. Siegel
Organizations
- United States Department of the Air Force