Reduction of fiber facet reflection by a curved core termination

A method to reduce end facet reflectivity of optical fibers by curving the fiber core is presented. The curved end core is obtained by first angle cleaving the fiber end and then balling up the fiber tip by a fusion process. The light escapes from the fiber core at the curve and follows his path through the cladding material up to the balled up fiber surface. Thus, the fiber termination acts as a beam expander and at the same time the facet reflectivity is reduced by >38 dB.