Jeff Powers Garmon

US Patent:

49462393, Aug 7, 1990

Filed:

Sep 27, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/249828

Inventors:

Jeff P. Garmon - Marietta GA

Assignee:

Georgia Tech Research Corporation - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

G02B 618

US Classification:

350 9631

Abstract:

An optical isolator for improving the isolation between an optical source and a transmission link in an optical communications system. The optical isolator comprises a tapered lens including a core region and surrounding cladding material. The core region can be fabricated from graded or step index glass and the cladding can be fabricated from glass or polymer material. The core region can also be fabricated from graded or step index polymer material with the cladding fabricated from polymer material. An opaque disk of carbon-filled epoxy is deposited on the large diameter end of the optical isolator to further enhance isolation.