Abstract: In-situ and post-cure methods of joining optical fibers and optoelectronic components are provided. An in situ method of joining an optical fiber to an optoelectronic component includes positioning an optical fiber and optoelectronic component in adjacent relationship such that light signals can pass therebetween, applying a curable resin having adhesive properties to an interface of the optical fiber and the optoelectronic component, aligning the optical fiber and optoelectronic component relative to each other such that signal strength of light signals passing between the optical fiber and the optoelectronic component is substantially maximized, and irradiating the interface with non-ionizing radiation in RF/microwave energy to rapidly cure the resin.

Abstract: The bonding of components is facilitated by a conductive pattern which generates heat upon being irradiated with microwave or RF energy. The electrically conductive pattern is positioned on a first component surface and a curable resin having adhesive properties is applied thereto. A second component surface is placed in contacting relation with the resin and the conductive pattern is irradiated with microwave or RF energy to facilitate curing wherein the components are bonded together along the pattern. The conductive pattern can be utilized without adhesive resin wherein heat generated via the application of microwave or RF energy causes components to fuse together. The conductive pattern can be enveloped by polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material becomes the adhesive for bonding components when microwave or RF energy is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring workpiece and workpiece material characteristics using microwave energy are disclosed. A system includes a chamber, including means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; means for positioning a workpiece within the chamber; means for subjecting the workpiece to a plurality of different microwave frequencies; and means for monitoring characteristics of the workpiece. One or more characteristics of a workpiece, or workpiece material, may be monitored by positioning the workpiece within a chamber having means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; subjecting the workpiece to microwave irradiation at a plurality of frequencies; detecting power reflection for each one of the plurality of microwave frequencies to provide power reflection data; and comparing the power reflection data to a predetermined set of power reflection data.