ABSTRACT
The increasing use of optical fibres for light wave communications,
local area networks, or sensors, requires techniques for splicing and
coupling. The implementation of optical fibres depends to a large
extent on the availability of low cost connectors and devices in order to
couple a single-mode fibre to integrated optical components or to couple
small sources (laser diode or LED) to optical fibres. Major problems are
difficulties in establishing and maintaining a precise and critical
alignment. This requires careful mechanical polishing of waveguide
ends. A further problem is the difference between diameters of the two
parts (for example between single-mode and multimode fibre) or
between sections of two light spots (for example between a circular
fibre and a rectangular waveguide).
