Abstract: This disclosure concerns optical components such as optical signal transmitter ports. One example of an optical signal transmitter port includes a nose body of single piece construction that has a bendable portion configured to facilitate alignment of an optical axis of the nose body with an optical axis of an optical signal associated with the optical signal transmitter port. The optical signal transmitter port further includes an optical source assembly having an optical signal housing within which is disposed an optical emitter such as a laser. The optical signal housing is partially received within the nose body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an in situ method for assembling and measuring optical characteristics of an optical component. The method generally includes pressing an optical source or lens into an optical housing while simultaneously measuring the optical output of the device. The measured optical output is used to determine and control when the optical source or lens is pressed to an optical position within optical housing. Once the source or lens is pressed into the optical housing, the method includes measuring the optical offset and/or pointing angle of the assembled component in the same apparatus that assembled the component. The measured optical offset and/or pointing angle information is used to determine how to mechanically alter the optical housing to correct or compensate for the optical offset and pointing angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture generally includes a substantially rigid base member having a measurement aperture formed therein, a pair of upstanding frame members, each of the upstanding frame members having a pivotal mount and a vertical slot formed therein, and a support press slidably positioned within the vertical slot. The fixture may further include a component support assembly positioned below the support press, and a pivot arm connected to the support press at a first end, pivotally connected to the pivot mount at a middle portion, and a screw actuator at a second end.

Abstract: A ferrule connector assembly includes a housing having a bore therethrough. The housing has a first end adapted to receive a sleeve assembly having a split sleeve and core member disposed in the split sleeve. A second end of the housing receives a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The core member has a hole extending therethrough that is optically aligned with the optical fiber. The sleeve assembly is press-fit within the bore of the housing and secured within the housing through one or more securing structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture includes a substantially rigid base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with a base aperture connecting the two surfaces and a component mounting plate positioned on the upper surface and having an aperture formed therein corresponding to the base aperture. The fixture further includes at least one pivotally mounted component disengagement member positioned on the upper surface and being configured to disengage a component from the mounting plate and a component securing member slidably positioned on the upper surface and being configured to secure a component to the mounting plate. Additionally, a differential press screw assembly is positioned on the lower surface, wherein the differential press screw assembly is configured to press a lens into a component mounted on the component mounting plate via extension of a press nut through the base aperture.

Abstract: A two piece nose assembly for optoelectronic devices is disclosed. The assembly includes a first piece having a central bore and an annular alignment recess about the central bore. The first piece can be attached to a housing of the optical device. The assembly also includes an annular second piece designed to receive an optical connector and having an outside surface designed to interference fit with an inside surface of the annular alignment recess. The annular second piece has an inside surface having a hardness of at least 35 on the Rockwell “C” scale. The first piece has an annular groove on an outside surface thereof that defines a lip adjacent to the housing. The annular groove has a tapered edge that facilitates an optimized angle of incidence for a laser beam used to weld the first piece to the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for pressing an optical component into an optical housing. The apparatus generally includes a fixture configured to support the optical housing, a press tool configured to press the optical component into the optical housing, and a controller in electrical communication with the press tool, the controller being configured to control the press operation. The apparatus may further include a camera positioned in an optical path of the optical housing, the camera being configured to receive an optical output of the optical component and transmit data representative of the output to the controller for use in controlling the press operation. The controller is generally configured to use the optical measurements taken by the camera to control the pressing operation such that the optical source or lens is pressed to an optimal longitudinal position within the optical housing.

Abstract: A modular TOSA that is compatible with multiple optical fiber connector standards and a method of making the TOSA are presented. With the invention, a modular TOSA can be made compatible with different connector standards by switching the nose assembly while keeping the port assembly design and the adapter assembly design constant. The nose assembly that is compatible with the desired connector standard is selected from a group of nose assemblies, which are designed to be coupled with the same port assembly but having different connector standards.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns optical components such as optical signal transmitter ports. One example of an optical signal transmitter port includes a nose body of single piece construction that has a bendable portion configured to facilitate alignment of an optical axis of the nose body with an optical axis of an optical signal associated with the optical signal transmitter port. The optical signal transmitter port further includes an optical source assembly having an optical signal housing within which is disposed an optical emitter such as a laser. The optical signal housing is partially received within the nose body.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed to an optical interconnection sub-assembly, which includes a housing, a longitudinal bore formed through the housing, a tapered ring press-fitted into a first end of the longitudinal bore, a split sleeve ring press-fitted into the tapered ring, a fiber stop press-fitted into the split sleeve ring, and one or more bushings threaded into a second end of the longitudinal bore. The interconnection generally operates to secure a fiber in one end and communicate a signal received from the fiber to a device attached thereto. Further, the interconnection generally does not require any epoxy or other chemical affixation methods, as press fitting and shrink fitting methods are employed, which substantially reduces the assembly time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to an optical signal transmitter port. In one embodiment, the optical signal transmitter port includes a nose body having a bendable extending transmission end, and an optical signal housing having an optical source therein assembled into the nose body. The optical signal source generates an optical signal within the nose body and the bendable portion is adjusted to optimize the output of the port. Embodiments of the invention are further related to a method for assembling an optical transmitter port with minimal defects. The assembly process involves a multi-step assembly and measurement process configured to align the axis of the optical signal generated in the port with the axis of an optical signal source housing and an axis of a port nose body.

Abstract: A ferrule connector assembly includes a housing having a bore therethrough. The housing has a first end adapted to receive a sleeve assembly having a split sleeve and core member disposed in the split sleeve. A second end of the housing receives a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The core member has a hole extending therethrough that is optically aligned with the optical fiber. The sleeve assembly is press-fit within the bore of the housing and secured within the housing through one or more securing structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for an improved optical component mounting apparatus and method. In one embodiment, the invention provides an optical component mounting apparatus that provides for accurate mounting of an optical component without the use of epoxy or other affixing agents. The optical component mounting apparatus includes a body having a bore formed longitudinally therethrough between a first and second end. The body also includes an inner sidewall of the body disposed adjacent the first end that defines a first component holding region. The first component holding region is in an offset alignment with the bore, the inner wall is adapted to frictionally accept a first component therein and exert a biasing force thereon to maintain the first component in a desired optical alignment. In another embodiment, the body includes an outer sidewall disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the inner and outer sidewalls define a second component holding region therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture includes a substantially rigid base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with a base aperture connecting the two surfaces and a component mounting plate positioned on the upper surface and having an aperture formed therein corresponding to the base aperture. The fixture further includes at least one pivotally mounted component disengagement member positioned on the upper surface and being configured disengage a component from the mounting plate and a component securing member slidably positioned on the upper surface and being configured to secure a component to the mounting plate. Additionally, a differential press screw assembly is positioned on the lower surface, wherein the differential press screw assembly is configured to press a lens into a component mounted on the component mounting plate via extension of a press nut through the base aperture.

Abstract: A modular TOSA that is compatible with multiple optical fiber connector standards and a method of making the TOSA are presented. With the invention, a modular TOSA can be made compatible with different connector standards by switching the nose assembly while keeping the port assembly design and the adapter assembly design constant. The nose assembly that is compatible with the desired connector standard is selected from a group of nose assemblies, which are designed to be coupled with the same port assembly but having different connector standards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for pressing an optical component into an optical housing. The apparatus generally includes a fixture configured to support the optical housing, a press tool configured to press the optical component into the optical housing, and a controller in electrical communication with the press tool, the controller being configured to control the press operation. The apparatus may further include a camera positioned in an optical path of the optical housing, the camera being configured to receive an optical output of the optical component and transmit data representative of the output to the controller for use in controlling the press operation. The controller is generally configured to use the optical measurements taken by the camera to control the pressing operation such that the optical source or lens is pressed to an optimal longitudinal position within the optical housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an in situ method for assembling and measuring optical characteristics of an optical component. The method generally includes pressing an optical source or lens into an optical housing while simultaneously measuring the optical output of the device. The measured optical output is used to determine and control when the optical source or lens is pressed to an optical position within optical housing. Once the source or lens is pressed into the optical housing, the method includes measuring the optical offset and/or pointing angle of the assembled component in the same apparatus that assembled the component. The measured optical offset and/or pointing angle information is used to determine how to mechanically alter the optical housing to correct or compensate for the optical offset and pointing angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture generally includes a substantially rigid base member having a measurement aperture formed therein, a pair of upstanding frame members, each of the upstanding frame members having a pivotal mount and a vertical slot formed therein, and a support press slidably positioned within the vertical slot. The fixture may further include a component support assembly positioned below the support press, and a pivot arm connected to the support press at a first end, pivotally connected to the pivot mount at a middle portion, and a screw actuator at a second end.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved optical component mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, the invention provides an optical component mounting apparatus that provides for accurate mounting of an optical component without the use of epoxy or other affixing agents. The optical component mounting apparatus includes a body having a bore formed longitudinally therethrough. A first end of the body includes an annular aperture configured to receive an optical component therein. The diameter of the aperture is generally less than the diameter of the optical component to be inserted therein, and therefore, the aperture expands to receive the optical component. Once the aperture is expanded and the optical component inserted, the aperture is allowed to contract, which operates to mechanically secure the optical component within the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved optical component mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, the invention provides an optical component mounting apparatus that provides for accurate mounting of an optical component without the use of epoxy or other affixing agents. The optical component mounting apparatus includes a body having a bore formed longitudinally therethrough. A first end of the body includes an annular aperture configured to receive an optical component therein. The diameter of the aperture is generally less than the diameter of the optical component to be inserted therein, and therefore, the aperture expands to receive the optical component. Once the aperture is expanded and the optical component inserted, the aperture is allowed to contract, which operates to mechanically secure the optical component within the apparatus.