Abstract: The proposed solution to the problems associated with assembling optical components introduces an angular alignment step and the use of collimated optical beams to the assembly process. One embodiment of a method for aligning optical components includes the steps of angularly aligning a fiber subassembly and a laser subassembly to achieve a desired angular position of the fiber subassembly relative to the laser subassembly, transversely aligning the fiber subassembly and the laser subassembly to achieve a desired linear position of the fiber subassembly relative to the laser subassembly, while maintaining the desired angular position, and installing an intermediate part configured to accommodate the desired angular position and the desired linear position. The method also includes the step of permanently assembling the fiber subassembly, the laser subassembly and the intermediate part, while maintaining the desired angular position and the desired linear position.

Abstract: The proposed solution to the problems associated with assembling optical components introduces an angular alignment step and the use of collimated optical beams to the assembly process. One embodiment of a method for aligning optical components includes the steps of angularly aligning a fiber subassembly and a laser subassembly to achieve a desired angular position of the fiber subassembly relative to the laser subassembly, transversely aligning the fiber subassembly and the laser subassembly to achieve a desired linear position of the fiber subassembly relative to the laser subassembly, while maintaining the desired angular position, and installing an intermediate part configured to accommodate the desired angular position and the desired linear position. The method also includes the step of permanently assembling the fiber subassembly, the laser subassembly and the intermediate part, while maintaining the desired angular position and the desired linear position.

Abstract: A digitally controlled delay is applied to a microwave signal by applying the signal to a transmitter to modulate an optical wave which is transmitted by polarization holding optical fibers after its polarization is switched in TE or TM mode in switching units. An optical receiver reconstitutes a delayed microwave signal. Variation of the delay is controlled by delay select signals controlling the switching units. The principle finds particular application in phased array antenna systems.