Optical-fiber bend

The MiniBend 180 is a low-loss 180 bend in an optical fiber, which is used for miniaturization of fiber-optic components. The bend is made with a fiber-processing technology that uses singlemode optical fiber. The fiber diameter is reduced to minimize bend losses. The bend is then mounted in a protected tube--8 mm long ¥ 1.5-mm outside diameter. The input and output fibers are standard singlemode fiber with 125-micron cladding/250-micron buffer. The device looks like a clear miniature package about the size of an electrical diode with two fiber pigtails exiting one end and a hemispherical sealed tube on the opposite end.

Thomas & Betts Corp.

Memphis, TN