Abstract: Micromachined passive alignment assemblies and methods of using and making the same are provided. The alignment assemblies are used to align at least one optical element. The alignment assemblies may be configured with kinematic, pseudo-kinematic, redundant or degenerate support structures. One alignment assembly comprises a base and a payload, which supports at least one optical element. The payload may be coupled to the base via connecting structures. The base, the payload and/or the connecting structures may have internal flexure assemblies for preloading a connection, thermal compensation and/or strain isolation.

Abstract: A pivotable optical element that may be fully deflected in a plurality of positions is disclosed. The fully deflected positions of the optical element may be defined against linear segments on a platform or against linear segments on the optical element.

Abstract: The snapped-down position of an optical element is defined by its contact with a plurality of kinematic supports on an associated platform, or on electrodes placed on that platform. Compliant flexures may be provided in association with one or more kinematic supports, such that fine adjustments of the optical element can be made by deflecting the optical element to cause compression of one or more flexures.

Abstract: Micromachined passive alignment assemblies and methods of using and making the same are provided. The alignment assemblies are used to align at least one optical element. The alignment assemblies may be configured with kinematic, pseudo-kinematic, redundant or degenerate support structures. One alignment assembly comprises a base and a payload, which supports at least one optical element. The payload may be coupled to the base via connecting structures. The base, the payload and/or the connecting structures may have internal flexure assemblies for preloading a connection, thermal compensation and/or strain isolation.

Abstract: Micromachined passive alignment assemblies and methods of using and making the same are provided. The alignment assemblies are used to align at least one optical element. The alignment assemblies may be configured with kinematic, pseudo-kinematic, redundant or degenerate support structures. One alignment assembly comprises a base and a payload, which supports at least one optical element. The payload may be coupled to the base via connecting structures. The base, the payload and/or the connecting structures may have internal flexure assemblies for preloading a connection, thermal compensation and/or strain isolation.

Abstract: Optical element support structures and methods of using and making the same. One support structure is configured to restrain an optical element in at least two degrees of freedom. The structure comprises a first jaw, a first flexure, a second jaw and a second flexure. The first jaw has a first jaw face configured to contact the optical element. The first flexure is attached to the first jaw. The second jaw has a second jaw face configured to contact the optical element. The second flexure is attached to the second jaw. The first jaw face and the second jaw face are configured to restrain the optical element in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A high density fiber terminator/connector and methods of making the high density fiber terminator/connector are provided. One method comprises using deep reactive ion etching to etch a plurality of holes in a silicon substrate and placing a fiber in at least one hole.

Abstract: A pivotable optical element that may be fully deflected in a plurality of positions is disclosed. The fully deflected positions of the optical element may be defined against linear segments on a platform or against linear segments on the optical element.

Abstract: A high density fiber terminator/connector and methods of making the high density fiber terminator/connector are provided. One method comprises using deep reactive ion etching to etch a plurality of holes through a silicon substrate, wherein each hole is sized to fit an optical fiber; placing an optical fiber in at least one hole; removing portions of the fibers such that one end of each fiber is substantially even with one side of the substrate; polishing a surface of the ends of the fibers and the side of the substrate that are substantially even; and forming a coating on the surface of the ends of the fibers and the side of the substrate that are substantially even.

Abstract: Angled fiber terminations and methods of making the angled fiber terminations. One aspect relates to an optical fiber support assembly. The assembly comprises a substrate with a hole formed in the substrate. The hole comprises at least one non-circular opening. The hole is configured to receive a tip of a fiber such that an angle between an axis of the fiber tip and a normal of a surface of the substrate is greater than zero.

Abstract: An optical switch is provided, in which input light from a fiber is directed across a free-space region to a corresponding one of a first set of beam steering elements, such as moveable mirrors, which then re-directs the light beam back through the free-space region to a desired one of a second set of beam steering elements. This beam steering element sends the light back again through the free-space region to a corresponding output fiber. The interfaces to both the input and output fibers include a collimating element, such as a lens. In other embodiments, an optical switch has fibers and moveable mirrors only on one substrate of the switch. The other substrate has at least a stationary mirror. The moveable mirrors and the stationary mirror direct light to the fibers such that the fibers can be used as either inputs or outputs of the switch, thereby allowing switch re-configurability.

Abstract: An optical lens has a first plano-convex lens and a second plano-convex lens, with the planar sides of the two lenses opposite one another and the optical axes of the two lenses offset from one another. The offset allows a non-vertical light beam to enter and exit the lens at a 90° angle with respect to the two convex surfaces of the lens.