Abstract: A method of aligning fiber arrays includes the method steps of inserting optical fibers into a ferrule array with a predetermined portion of the fiber extending from the ferrule. The ends of the fibers are then inserted at least partially through a fiber alignment hole in a substrate. Once the fibers extend at least partially through the substrate, the substrate is then displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber to ensure contact between the end of the fiber and a corner formed on the inside edges of the fiber alignment holes in the substrate. Once the fiber is positioned, a bonding block may be attached to both the ferrule array and the substrate to maintain the positional relationship between them and to maintain the proper positioning of the fiber within the substrate.

Abstract: A light sampling system for sampling scattered light from mirrors in an optical switch. The system includes four basic components: an imaging lens, a multi-channel liquid crystal light valve (LCLV), a collecting lens, and a light sensor. Light scattered by each mirror, is collected by the imaging lens, which re-images the light onto the LCLV. The LCLV is divided into multiple regions, one for each mirror to be monitored. Each region can independently be made opaque (“closed”) or transparent (“open”) to light reaching it. Light passing through all open regions of the LCLV is collected by the collecting lens, which focuses the light onto the light sensor. The light sensor registers a response to light passing through the LCLV. Each region of the LCLV can be programmed to be open or closed for any length of time, in any combination or sequence with any other region or regions, depending upon how the user wishes to monitor the scattered light.

Abstract: An optical cross connect switch having a beam generating, beam directing, and beam receiving portions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the beam generating portion receives a number of optical fibers and generates a communication and companion alignment beam for each fiber. The communication and alignment beams may be spatially separated, substantially collimated beams, and are aligned to propagate away from the beam generating portion in substantially parallel paths. The communication and alignment beams then strike a beam directing element where they may be redirected to the beam receiving portion. A beam receiving portion includes a plurality of optical output fibers, each having an associated position sensor. The location where the alignment beam strikes the position sensor provides position information regarding the corresponding communication beam. Using the position information, the beam directing elements may be finely adjusted to direct the focused communication beam onto an optical output fiber.

Abstract: A method of aligning fiber arrays includes the method steps of inserting optical fibers into a ferrule array with a predetermined portion of the fiber extending from the ferrule. The ends of the fibers are then inserted at least partially through a fiber alignment hole in a substrate. Once the fibers extend at least partially through the substrate, the substrate is then displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber to ensure contact between the end of the fiber and a corner formed on the inside edges of the fiber alignment holes in the substrate. Once the fiber is positioned, a bonding block may be attached to both the ferrule array and the substrate to maintain the positional relationship between them and to maintain the proper positioning of the fiber within the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the alignment of a converging light beam with a fiber having a core and cladding, using light leaked from the cladding is provided. Light from an incoming light beam is leaked from the cladding and passes through a ferrule surrounding the cladding, to light sensors located adjacent the ferrule. When any sensor senses light, that sensor signals the converging light beam to move away from that sensor (and towards the core of the fiber) until no light shines on that sensor. Each sensor performs this same function until no light shines on any sensor, indicating a proper alignment of the light on the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Optically controlled micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device may include a rotatable mirror having an optical sensor that is in electrical communication with the rotatable mirror via an associated electrode. Electrical potential may be supplied to an appropriately configured optical sensor so that a variable range of voltages may be supplied to the rotatable mirror. In operation, an optical control beam may be directed onto the optical sensor where it may be sampled to determine its optical characteristics (e.g., optical wavelength, light intensity, position, polarization, duty cycle, etc.) The optical sensor may then supply voltage to the rotatable mirror based on the determined optical characteristics of the optical control beam, causing the rotatable mirror to rotate about one or more axes.

Abstract: A micro-optical beam steering angle magnifier, including an input light source (such as a laser), a double-convex input lens, and a double-convex output lens. The input light source emits an input light beam at a specified input angle with respect to the optical axis, toward the input lens. The input lens directs the input light beam to the output lens. The output lens outputs the light beam at an output angle of magnitude 5 times (but sign opposite) that of the input angle. Other types of lenses may be used with varying degrees of quality and maximum output angle. The invention may be used with beams that are collimated or aberrated.

Abstract: A light sampling system for sampling scattered light from mirrors in an optical switch. The system includes four basic components: an imaging lens, a multi-channel liquid crystal light valve (LCLV), a collecting lens, and a light sensor. Light scattered by each mirror, is collected by the imaging lens, which re-images the light onto the LCLV. The LCLV is divided into multiple regions, one for each mirror to be monitored. Each region can independently be made opaque (“closed”) or transparent (“open”) to light reaching it. Light passing through all open regions of the LCLV is collected by the collecting lens, which focuses the light onto the light sensor. The light sensor registers a response to light passing through the LCLV. Each region of the LCLV can be programmed to be open or closed for any length of time, in any combination or sequence with any other region or regions, depending upon how the user wishes to monitor the scattered light.

Abstract: A system and method for the vacuum assisted insertion of optical fibers includes a plate with one or more fiber alignment holes and a vacuum-sealed region on the exit end of the alignment holes. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum-sealed region and creates a partial vacuum which draws air through the alignment holes creating an airstream into the alignment hole. As a fiber is moved toward the alignment hole, the airstream converging on the hole creates a centering force which acts to pull the fiber into alignment with the hole and the fiber passes directly into the hole. The use of a vacuum produces a precise alignment of a fiber or fibers that can be automated and is significantly quicker and more efficient than any other existing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for the passive alignment of a fiber using exterior surface absorption includes a fiber having a core, cladding and coating containing absorptive material. Absorptive material in the coating on the fiber expands and constricts depending on the amount of light that is exposed to the absorptive material. If a larger amount of light strikes one side of the fiber, that side of the fiber will constrict, and the areas that are not contacted by light will expand. This expansion and contraction process will continue until the position of the end of the fiber shifts a position where there is an equal amount of light on all sides of the end of the fiber. The use of absorptive material minimizes, or eliminates, the need for optical feedback and guarantees an accurate alignment of an optical fiber with an incoming light source, which is not offered by current fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for the vacuum assisted insertion of optical fibers includes a plate with one or more fiber alignment holes and a vacuum-sealed region on the exit end of the alignment holes. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum-sealed region and creates a partial vacuum which draws air through the alignment holes creating an airstream into the alignment hole. As a fiber is moved toward the alignment hole, the airstream converging on the hole creates a centering force which acts to pull the fiber into alignment with the hole and the fiber passes directly into the hole. The use of a vacuum produces a precise alignment of a fiber or fibers that can be automated and is significantly quicker and more efficient than any other existing apparatus.

Abstract: An Optical Cross Connect Switch includes beam generating, beam directing, and beam receiving portions. The beam generating portion receives a number of optical fibers and creates a communication beam for each fiber and an un-modulated companion alignment beam corresponding to each communication beam. The communication beam and its corresponding alignment beam are spatially separated, substantially collimated beams, and are aligned to propagate away from the beam generating portion to the beam directing portion. The beam directing portion includes a first beam director and a second beam director, with each director having an array of beam-directing elements. Each communication beam and its corresponding alignment beam strikes a beam directing element on the first beam director, and are re-directed to a beam directing element on the second beam director. From the second beam director, the two beams propagate towards beam receiving portion with each beam striking a separate lenslet.

Abstract: A system and method for the alignment of optical elements using an unmounted LED die with a small lens as a beacon for each channel in an optical switch. One LED is mounted next to each optical fiber in an alignment hole in a ceramic form. Each LED has a conductive trace and wire bond for independent electrical control. The LED shines through a pinhole to limit the divergence of the beam. The pinhole is at the focus of a small lens which is positioned adjacent to the form, and creates a real image at its target. Because the LED and fiber are fixed closely together in the form, misalignment due to thermal effects or mechanical drift is negligible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the alignment of a converging light beam with a fiber having a core and cladding, using light leaked from the cladding is provided. Light from an incoming light beam is leaked from the cladding and passes through a ferrule surrounding the cladding, to light sensors located adjacent the ferrule. When any sensor senses light, that sensor signals the converging light beam to move away from that sensor (and towards the core of the fiber) until no light shines on that sensor. Each sensor performs this same function until no light shines on any sensor, indicating a proper alignment of the light on the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and device for coating an optical surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, a thin film epoxy coating may be formed on an optical element, such as by depositing a layer of light reactive epoxy (e.g., an optical material comprising a monomer and at least one polymerization initiator) onto a surface of the optical element (e.g. a lens). The layer of epoxy may then be illuminated with a light source, which may cause a portion of the epoxy layer to cure and adhere to the optical element. This may result in the formation of an anti-reflection coating on the optical element. Lastly, any of the epoxy layer that did not cure and adhere to the optical element may be removed so that the optical element permits light transmission.