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Abstract

A package configuration for the protection/packaging/encapsulation of optical fiber couplers is described. The packaging strategy exploits symmetry in geometrical design while using material with similar thermal expansion properties to minimize thermoelastic stresses in the final assembled parts. When glass fibers are fused together or spliced in a planar waveguides, a complementary, symmetrically shaped glass piece linked to the coupler device by a chemically-tethered and crosslinked polymeric matrix, provides a stress-free as-assembled package that further maintains minimal thermoelastic stresses during temperature cycling. The packaged assembly is thus exceptionally rugged, experiencing little loss and fluctuation of coupling characteristics in installation and use.

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First Claim