Method and apparatus for drawing fiber optic coupler

A low loss fiber optic coupler is fabricated by forming a coupler preform (21) having a plurality of spaced glass cores (26, 27; 26', 27') extending longitudinally through a matrix of glass (21) having a refractive index lower than that of the cores. The coupler preform is heated and stretched by first pulling means (40, 76) to form a glass rod which is drawn by second pulling means (46, 77) past an intermittant source of localized heat (451. When the localized heat source is turned on, the second pulling means (46, 77) draws the rod downwardly at a rate faster than the first pulling means (40, 76). Since the rod is softened by the localized heat source, a necked-down coupling region (51) is formed. The rod is severed to form a plurality of coupler units (81, 87). When an end of a unit is immersed in acid, the matrix glass dissolves, thereby leaving the unit cores and surrounding etch-resistant cladding glass protruding from the newly formed endface of the unit.