Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, Pa., recently won a United States patent for a process it developed that uses a laser beam to prepare fiber end-faces for termination in connector assemblies and optical devices. According to a company press release, the use of a laser increases both accuracy and versatility.
The process is not new to the company, having begun using the concept of using a laser to cleave and shape fiber end-faces several years ago in Holland. The technology just recently became suitable for mainstream use.
