Alignment apparatus and methods for transverse optical coupling
US6870992B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/12176
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical components may be aligned for transverse-optical coupling by: fabricating a first optical component on a substrate; fabricating an alignment member on the substrate suitably positioned relative to the first optical component; and assembling a second optical component onto the alignment member, thereby establishing transverse optical coupling between the optical components. The substrate may preferably be substantially planar. The alignment member may mechanically engage the second optical component so as to accurately establish and stably maintain transverse optical coupling. The first optical component and the alignment member may preferably be fabricated on the substrate using precision spatially selective materials processing techniques. Transverse optical coupling between two optical components may be stably maintained by substantially embedding transverse-coupled portions of the components in a substantially solid substantially transparent low-index medium. An alignment member may serve to accurately position the transverse-coupled components prior to embedding and hold them in place during embedding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.