1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a connection structure between optical fibers and a connection method to couple optical fibers.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently there exist tendencies of high-speed and large-volume data transmission in the information and communication technology sector so that development of optical communication technologies is in progress. In optical communication, secure optical transmission between optical fibers is required.
As a method of connecting optical fibers used for optical communication, there are, for example, a method of coupling optical fibers through an optical member, such as a lens, a method of connecting them through a connector (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-123821), and a method of fusion-bonding them (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-84142).
The method of connecting optical fibers through a connector is a method where a connector is provided to a tip of an optical fiber so as to connect optical fibers through the connector. The method of fusion-bonding optical fibers is a method where optical fibers are coupled to each other by joining tips of two optical fibers and applying energy to the joined part so as to fusion-bond it.
Furthermore, as a method of connecting a plurality of optical fibers to each other, there is a method where an optical fiber coupler is used. The optical fiber coupler is formed by fusion-bonding a plurality of optical fibers disposed side by side in a row, and thereafter extending the fusion-bonded part. Specifically, a fusion-bonding process is required in the case of forming an optical fiber coupler, too.