TAPERED OPTICAL FIBERS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for fabricating tapered optical fibers. SOLUTION: The method includes applying thermal energy at a location where a taper is formed while tension is applied to an optical fiber 112. The method also includes varying the location in a first direction of travel at a prescribed rate along the elongated parts 114, 116 and 118 of the optical fiber. The method further includes removing the tension when the location is outside a first portion 116 of the elongated length. The method includes transitioning from the first direction of travel to a second direction of travel opposed to the first direction of travel when the location is within a second portion 114 of the elongated length of the optical fiber. The method further includes transitioning from the second direction of travel to the first direction of travel when the location is within a third portion 118 of the optical fiber. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT