Method and apparatus for optically aligning optical fibers with optical devices
US6325551A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4225
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic fiber pigtailing machine (AFPM) is disclosed. The AFPM provides precise coupling between a fiber pigtail and an optoelectronic (OE) device based on the fidelity of signal transfer across a junction between the fiber and OE device. The AFPM uses a positioning system with a high frequency closed loop optical feedback of a modulated signal to/from the device under assembly (DUA). Local/global maximums in the fidelity of the modulated signal are correlated with relative orientations/alignment/positions of the various components of the DUA to determine the preferred orientation/alignment/positions between the various components for the completed assembly. In an embodiment of the invention the fiber optic extends from a first surface of a generally rectangular package and the electrical interface to the OE device is defined on a surface orthogonal to the first surface. This geometry is compatible with usage on PC boards where side mounting reduces the overall form factor for the PC board since the fiber optic is parallel with the plane of the board.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.