Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical fibre preform is disclosed comprising using a subtractive process on an optical monolith to define therein at least a transverse section of the optical fibre preform, wherein the transverse section comprises at least two regions with different refractive indexes. An optical fibre preform fabricated in accordance with the method is also disclosed along with a method of assembling optical components using a subtractive process to define a first interconnecting feature in or for use with a first optical component; using a subtractive process to define a second interconnecting feature in or for use with a second optical component; and coupling the first and second components together using the first and second interconnecting features such that the coupling dictates a passive alignment of the first and second components.

Abstract: An optical device includes a unitary substrate of optically transparent material. The unitary substrate has formed therein at least one collection lens and channel, the channel for receiving an optical fibre and arranged to align the optical fibre inserted therein such that the collection lens couples light collected by the collection lens into the optical fibre.

Abstract: An optical device includes a unitary substrate of optically transparent material. The unitary substrate has formed therein at least one collection lens and channel, the channel for receiving an optical fibre and arranged to align the optical fibre inserted therein such that the collection lens couples light collected by the collection lens into the optical fibre.