Abstract: An apparatus for retaining optical components in a planar configuration has a lens and an electro-optic component. The lens is optically coupled to the optical components. The electro-optic component is coupled to a support member. Alignment of the lens with the electro-optic component is performed by directly positioning the lens to maximize the transfer of optical energy from the lens to the electro-optic component. No optical fibers need be directly manipulated to perform the alignment, thus allowing for alignment of optical components with electro-optical components using the same procedures and equipment as used for aligning optical components with optical components.

Abstract: An assembly for housing optical components includes sides formed of an optically transmissive material, such as anti-reflective glass. Optical energy interacts with optical components retained within the assembly via the optically transmissive material. Collimated lens assemblies, which are attached to optical fibers, are adhesively attached to the optically transmissive sides. This assembly is especially amenable to an automated assembly process because it allows easy alignment of the collimated lens assembly with optical components retained within the assembly, and adherence of the collimated lens assembly to the optically transmissive side thereafter.

Abstract: A bend limiting apparatus for use in an automated assembly process of optical components in a planar configuration uses bend limiting tubing and support members. Optical fibers are positioned axially within the bend limiting tubing. The bend limiting tubing is supported by a support member. The optical fibers are attached to a collimated lens assembly. The bend limiting tubing may be coupled to the optical fibers by a pliable adhesive. The bend limiting tubing may also be coupled to the support member by an adhesive such as epoxy. Furthermore, an upper portion may be utilized to provide additional support.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining optical components in a planar configuration has a lens and an electro-optic component. The lens is optically coupled to the optical components. The electro-optic component is coupled to a support member. Alignment of the lens with the electro-optic component is performed by directly positioning the lens to maximize the transfer of optical energy from the lens to the electro-optic component. No optical fibers need be directly manipulated to perform the alignment, thus allowing for alignment of optical components with electro-optical components using the same procedures and equipment as used for aligning optical components with optical components.

Abstract: An apparatus having multiple fiber terminated optical ports uses optical components such as isolators, reflectors, mirrors, and prisms to steer a beam of light to an optical port. The steered beam of light is approximately parallel to the main axis and has a small lateral offset. The optical components may be part of an integrated component or discrete. The apparatus may have multiple input fiber terminated optical ports and multiple output fiber terminated optical ports. The apparatus is especially amenable to planar packaging of optical components.

Abstract: An assembly for housing optical components includes sides formed of an optically transmissive material, such as anti-reflective glass. Optical energy interacts with optical components retained within the assembly via the optically transmissive material. Collimated lens assemblies, which are attached to optical fibers, are adhesively attached to the optically transmissive sides. This assembly is especially amenable to an automated assembly process because it allows easy alignment of the collimated lens assembly with optical components retained within the assembly, and adherence of the collimated lens assembly to the optically transmissive side thereafter.