Laser-fiber positioner

US4720163A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Nortel Networks Limited · CA

Inventors

• John C. Goodwin · Ottawa, CA
• Tibor F. Devenyi · Ottawa, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 8, 1985
• Grant date: Jan 19, 1988
• Expiry date: Jul 8, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/4226
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

To position a light output device such as a laser diode relative to a light device such as a waveguide so as to obtain maximum coupling of light, the waveguide end facing the laser is vibrated by mechanical means to modulate the coupled light. Light is detected from a remote end of the fiber and a corresponding electrical signal is generated. Positional information contained in the oscillatory component of the signal is decoded and applied to a positioning device which then reduces misalignment between the waveguide and laser. The positioning device continuously seeks the maximum coupling position. The technique finds particular application in positioning a waveguide in a laser package prior to and during anchoring.