(19)

(11)

EP 1 346 245 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 06.06.2002 (43) Date of publication: 24.09.2003 Bulletin 2003/39 (21) Application number: 01963203.3 (22) Date of filing: 31.08.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/34 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0103/925 (87) International publication number: WO 0201/8988 (07.03.2002 Gazette 2002/10)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR (30) Priority: 01.09.2000 GB 0021485 (71) Applicant: Alcatel Optronics UK Limited Livingston EH54 8SF (GB)	(72) Inventor: LAMING, Richard Ian Edinburgh,Scotland EH10 6JL (GB) (74) Representative: Mills, Julia  D Young & Co,21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)