Microactuator for precisely aligning an optical fiber and an associated fabrication method
US5870518A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3803
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microactuator for precisely aligning an optical fiber with an optical device and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The microactuator includes a carrier positioned on a base for holding the optical fiber. An alignment frame positioned on the carrier remotely from the optical fiber is adapted to engage the base and the carrier. The carrier is movable relative to the base and the alignment frame. At least one actuator has a beam for engaging the alignment frame and a pad affixed to the carrier. The beam and pad move relative to each other when the actuator is actuated. The actuator is positioned on the carrier so that the beam engages and applies a force to the alignment frame in a predetermined direction when the actuator is actuated. This causes the pad to apply an opposite force to the carrier causing the carrier to move in a direction opposite the predetermined direction for controllably positioning the carrier relative to the base and precisely aligning the optical fiber with the optical device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.