Self-oriented arrays of polarization maintaining fiber.
01 January 1986
A method for making arrays of polarization maintaining fibers is proposed and demonstrated. Flattened fiber which is externally keyed to the polarization axes is used. Thus, the polarization axes self-orient during array assembly. Arrays with so many as four fibers have been assembled. Typically, angular misalignment of the polarization axis is 5degrees and the fiber cores are positioned within +- 1micron of the nominal center.