The present invention is directed to a fused coupler having at least two
fiber optic cables that have a positive coefficient of thermal expansion.
A section of each of the fiber optic cables is placed together and heated
until they form a single fused section that acts as a coupler. A jacket
having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the absolute value of
which is approximately equal to the absolute value of the positive
coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber optic cables, is placed
around the fused section of the fiber optic cables. The jacket can be
manufactured from a ceramic material that is specifically manufactured
with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. A filler material, such
as an epoxy resin, is inserted in a gap between the jacket and the fused
sections of the fiber optic cables such that the gap is filled in.