Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that superimposes an image of an optoelectric component on a substrate with the use of a single camera. Specifically, the camera looks through a transparent alignment tool that is holding the component, to the substrate below it, thus allowing both the component and the substrate to be seen together by the camera. The alignment tool and substrate are adjusted to precisely align the two and then are brought together while being seen by the camera. On laser chips, the chip is energized while on the glass alignment tool to produce a laser spot that is superimposed on the visible light image via a series of lenses and mirrors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to energize an optoelectric component, such as a semiconductor laser chip, exciting a lasing gap to emit light from the front facet of the chip. The laser is positioned on a transparent tool element having a conductive portion thereon. The conductive portion is preferably a metallized ITO surface transparent to visible light. This allows the laser to be energized while simultaneously looking through the tool element to image a feature on the laser. The lasing gap is then located with a high degree of precision with respect to this feature. This precise location information is used to position and bond the laser chip with respect to an optical transmission line with precise alignment.

Abstract: Alignment of each of a plurality of depending first conductive members (16), in an array of orthogonal rows and columns on an article (12), with a corresponding second conductive member (18) arranged in a like array on a substrate (14), is accomplished by positioning the article in spaced relationship from the substrate. The arrays of first and second conductive members (16,18) are first angularly aligned by rotating the article (12) so that the offset between a first column of first and second conductive members on the article and substrate, respectively, as seen by a television camera (32) at a first end of the article and substrate is the same as the offset between a second column of first and second members on the article and substrate, respectively, at the other end thereof as seen by a second camera (30).

Abstract: A first flat surface portion (17) of an upper mounting member (11) is made to be parallel with a second flat surface portion (18) of a lower mounting member (12) by, first, supporting the lower mounting member on a spherical cushion of air defined by a lower surface portion (20). The first surface portion (17) is next brought into contact with the second surface portion (18) which causes an adjustment in the position of lower mounting member (12) so as to make the surfaces (17) and (18) coplanar. The air supply to the lower mounting member is then reversed to apply a vacuum which draws the lower mounting member (12) into contact with the support member (22) so as to fix the second surface portion (18) in a parallel relationship to that of the first surface portion (17).

Abstract: Alignment of each of a plurality of depending first conductive members (16), in an array of orthogonal rows and columns on an article (12), with a corresponding second conductive member (18) arranged in a like array on a substrate (14), is accomplished by positioning the article in spaced relationship from the substrate. The arrays of first and second conductive members (16,18) are first angularly aligned by rotating the article (12) so that the offset between a first column of first and second conductive members on the article and substrate, respectively, as seen by a television camera (32) at a first end of the article and substrate is the same as the offset between a second column of first and second members on the article and substrate, respectively, at the other end thereof as seen by a second camera (30).