Optical systems for Z-axis alignment of fiber, lens and source arrays
US6510262B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4292
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical coupling system includes a unitary separation-setting member for establishing precise spatial relationships among a microlens array, an array of light sources, and an array of optical fibers. The separation-setting member includes an interior region with a shoulder against which the lens array is positioned. The shoulder is at a precisely controlled distance from a target plane along which the ends of the optical fibers are aligned. The target plane is defined by the front surface of the separation-setting member. Thus, the dimensions of the separation-setting member control the distance of the fiber ends from the microlenses. Moreover, a back surface of the separation-setting member is at a precisely controlled distance from the shoulder, so that when the back surface is rested against a substrate on which the light sources are mounted, the light sources are precisely positioned relative to the microlenses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.