Stable mechanical devices for precision optical alignment and packaging
US7073952B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical alignment device holds fiber collimators in place with extremely good mechanical and environmental stability. The device includes a ball with a hole traversing the ball, an upper clamping block with a first inner concave spherical surface and a lower clamping block with a second inner concave spherical surface. The hole includes a shape that can accommodate or contact an optical component whose alignment is to be controlled. The ball, together with the enclosed optical component is firmly held between the first and second inner concave surfaces of the clamping blocks, which are tightened against the ball with screws. When firmly clamped within the concave surfaces, the ball is prevented from accidental movement but can still rotate about any axis to align the optical component. Once alignment is achieved, the optical component and the ball are secured in place by epoxy, glue, solder or other suitable adhesive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.