Abstract: A method for profiling a laser beam includes receiving the laser beam at a thermochromic interface of a detector. A temperature set point for the detector can be selected. The temperature set point can correspond to an equilibrium temperature at the thermochromic interface. The method can also include capturing an image of the thermochromic interface and using the image to determine a partial intensity profile corresponding to at least a portion of the beam intensity profile. A reconstructed beam profile can be assembled using the partial intensity profile. If the reconstructed beam profile is not complete, the method can include iterating over additional temperature set points to determine additional partial intensity profiles. The method can also include determining that the reconstructed beam profile is complete and outputting the reconstructed beam profile.

Abstract: A method for constructing a fiber array includes a) selecting a fiber spool among one or more fiber spools; b) processing a portion of the fiber spool to form an optical fiber having an output end; c) positioning a substrate at a position of a plurality of positions; and d) aligning the output end of the optical fiber to the substrate. The method also includes e) coupling the output end of the optical fiber to a location of a plurality of locations on the substrate; f) detaching the optical fiber from the fiber spool to form an input end of the optical fiber; and g) marking the optical fiber. The method further includes repeating c) through g) for each of the plurality of locations on the substrate determining that the substrate has been positioned at each of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A method for profiling a laser beam includes receiving the laser beam at a thermochromic interface of a detector. A temperature set point for the detector can be selected. The temperature set point can correspond to an equilibrium temperature at the thermochromic interface. The method can also include capturing an image of the thermochromic interface and using the image to determine a partial intensity profile corresponding to at least a portion of the beam intensity profile. A reconstructed beam profile can be assembled using the partial intensity profile. If the reconstructed beam profile is not complete, the method can include iterating over additional temperature set points to determine additional partial intensity profiles. The method can also include determining that the reconstructed beam profile is complete and outputting the reconstructed beam profile.

Abstract: A system for determining the profile of a laser beam includes a detector having a thermochromic liquid crystal film (TLCF) in thermal communication with a heat spreader and a thermoelectric cooler. The liquid crystal film has a thermochromic response such that heating of the film by a received laser beam creates a detectable color response at the film. The system also includes an image sensor and a controller configured to output an operating current for the TEC and receive images from the sensor. The system can selectively vary the temperature set point of the TEC to change the steady state temperature of the TLCF to examine the full intensity profile of the received beam even when the temperature response bandwidth of the TLCF is too narrow to display the full beam profile in a single color spot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a cleave angle of an optical fiber using a cleave angle measurement system is provided herein. In an aspect, a method for measuring a cleave angle of an optical fiber may include providing a cleave angle measurement system. The cleave angle measurement system may include an optical fiber channel, an image sensor, and a light source. The method may include placing an optical fiber having a cleaved end into the optical fiber channel. The method may include determining an optical center of the image sensor. The method may include reflecting light transmitted by the light source off of the cleaved end of the optical fiber and detecting, by the image sensor, light reflected off of the cleaved end of the optical fiber. The cleave angle of the optical fiber may be determined based on the light reflected off of the cleaved end.

Abstract: A system for sensing presence of an optical fiber is provided herein. The system may include a first illumination source configured to emit a first light beam along an optical path and a first detector. The first detector may be positioned off of the optical path and configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the first illumination source and at a first position along the optical path between the first illumination source and the first detector. In some embodiments, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a collecting lens. The collecting lens may also be configured to direct the portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber to the first detector when the optical fiber is in the first position.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods related to an optical fiber alignment system are provided herein. The optical fiber alignment system includes a controller and a rotation stage having a central axis, a first end, and a second end. The central axis extends from the first end to the second end of the rotation stage. The rotation stage includes an optical fiber channel extending from the first end of the rotation stage to the second end of the rotation stage and may be operationally coupled with the controller. The rotation stage is configured to rotate about the central axis of the rotation stage. The optical fiber alignment system includes a light source positioned to emit light onto the optical fiber channel at an oblique angle from the central axis of the rotation stage. The optical fiber alignment system includes an image sensor positioned adjacent to the second end of the rotation stage.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to an optical fiber alignment and splicing system are described herein. The optical fiber alignment and splicing system includes a first rotation stage having a first central axis, a first end, and a second end, and a second rotation stage having a second central axis, a third end, and a fourth end. The first central axis extends from the first end to the second end of the first rotation stage, and the second central axis extends from the third end to the fourth end. The first rotation stage includes a first optical fiber channel extending from the first end of the first rotation stage to the second end of the first rotation stage, and the second rotation stage includes a second optical fiber channel extending from the third end of the second rotation stage to the fourth end of the second rotation stage.

Abstract: A system for determining the profile of a laser beam includes a detector having a thermochromic liquid crystal film (TLCF) in thermal communication with a heat spreader and a thermoelectric cooler. The liquid crystal film has a thermochromic response such that heating of the film by a received laser beam creates a detectable color response at the film. The system also includes an image sensor and a controller configured to output an operating current for the TEC and receive images from the sensor. The system can selectively vary the temperature set point of the TEC to change the steady state temperature of the TLCF to examine the full intensity profile of the received beam even when the temperature response bandwidth of the TLCF is too narrow to display the full beam profile in a single color spot.