Fabrication and modeling of fused biconical tapered fiber couplers

This article describes a model and the process technology of realizing fused fiber coupler-based branching components through the use of an experimental setup of a PC-controlled fabrication rig. To simulate the fabrication process and to interpret the experimental characteristics of such devices, a simple but realistic model based on well known super-mode-beating analysis is presented. The key results of the analysis embedded into the control software of the fabrication rig has ensured achieving repeatability in the targeted specifications of these components. Typical results of the modeling and a comparison with experimental results are also presented. The model should be very useful in defining the design parameters for realizing these fused coupler-based branching components.