A lensed fiber workstation based on the elastic polishing plate method

Integrated coupling between laser source (such as laser diodes, LD's) and single-mode fibers (SMFs) is one of the most important and fundamental techniques of optical communications. Lensed fibers have desirable features for the coupling scheme, such as compactness, simplicity, stability, and freedom from bulky lenses. However, the high precision lens geometry is required for lensed fibers. In this study, we present a lensed fiber fabrication workstation based on the elastic polishing plate mechanism. A theoretical model was also proposed in order to simulate the fiber lapping condition. The results show that the lensed fiber's dome radius is mainly controlled by the accumulated lapping time, Preston's coefficient, and selection of rubber pad material. The lapping time control is demonstrated as a preferred working parameter and thus is implemented in our fiber workstation.