Abstract: Fiber, lens and sensor arrays and their precision alignment for optical devices with free space light propagation is disclosed Fabrication methods of arrays and their assembly are also proposed. In one implementation, a device includes a fiber alignment module holding fibers in parallel to form a fiber array. The fiber alignment module includes first and second alignment plates, and a spacer plate engaged between the first and the second alignment plates. Each alignment plate includes an array of through holes to respectively hold the fibers. A lens array can be engaged to the fiber alignment module to align lenses to their corresponding fibers. Passive alignment features may be formed at interfacing surfaces of different layers to assist the alignment. Applications of these integrated fiber, lens and sensor arrays to optical cross connect switches and reconfigurable add drop multiplexers are also disclosed.

Abstract: While a ferrule held by a clamping apparatus is rotated by a predetermined angle, respective interference fringe images of a spherical leading end part of the ferrule are obtained at three or more rotational positions. Respective interference fringe center positions are obtained in thus obtained three or more interference fringe images. The center position of a circle passing near each of the interference fringe center positions is calculated and defined as a measured center position. Relative distance information between the measured center position and a position corresponding to the rotational center position of the spherical leading end part of the ferrule or the relative distance information and relative directional information thereof are outputted as an inclination error adjustment value for the axis of the ferrule.

Abstract: A method is provided for precise and repeatable location of one or more Bragg gratings in a large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, featuring the steps of: defining a reference location on a fixed placement datum arranged on a waveguide fixture device; defining one or more desired locations on a large diameter optical waveguide arranged on the waveguide fixture location in relation to the reference location; and writing one or more Bragg gratings in the large diameter optical waveguide at the one or more desired locations based on the reference location on the fixed placement datum. The step of defining the reference location may include marking the fixed placement datum with a scribe mark thereon; and securing the fixed placement datum in a groove in a waveguide fixture device.

Abstract: An optical axis alignment apparatus 10 has a chuck 13 for holding an optical member 14, a chuck 16 for holding an optical member 15, a pushing mechanism, which pushes the chuck 1 to generate a predetermined frictional force between the optical member 14 and the optical member 15, and actuators 18A to 18D. The actuators 18A to 18D have a piezoelectric element 51b which generates an impulsive inertial force by abrupt extension and contraction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional mounted assembly includes a molded body, a plurality of electronic parts sealed with the molded body, a plurality of interconnections electrically connected to the electronic parts and sealed with the molded body wherein part of at least one of the interconnections is exposed on a first side of the molded body and at least another one of the interconnections is exposed on a second side of the molded body differing from the first side.

Abstract: A method for transferring a large number of fiber ends of a bundle of light wave guides, especially glass, quartz or plastic fibers, into a large number of specified positions with the aid of an alignment apparatus which includes openings the size of which can be varied in a specified range. The method includes passing the glass, quartz or plastic fiber ends through the openings of the alignment apparatus, whereby the size of the openings are selected such that only one end of the large number of glass, quartz or plastic fiber ends can pass through each opening. The size of the openings is then reduced so that the glass, quartz or plastic fiber ends are moved to the specified positions.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for coupling optical fibers having disparate connectors. First and second indexing bodies are moved relative to each other to bring into alignment selected receptors for accepting the disparate connectors. Receptors for several different connectors are available on at least one of the indexing bodies. The indexing bodies may be disk-shaped and attached for rotation about a common axis, with the receptors being arranged circumferentially. The apparatus may also includes a spring clip and magnet for mounting and storing on fiber optic bays and cabinets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical switch, which appropriately optically connects input side optical fibers with output side optical fibers. The optical switch comprises an input side array unit, and an output side array unit. The array unit on the input side has an input side fiber array, a mirror array, and a direction adjustment mechanism. The input side fiber array has signal input optical fibers and at least one adjustment optical fiber. The mirror array has tilt variable mirrors to deflect signal light beams from the signal input optical fibers and at least one fixed mirror to reflect an adjustment light beam from the adjustment optical fiber. The direction adjustment mechanism adjusts a relative direction of the mirror array with respect to the input side fiber array. The array unit on the output side has an output side fiber array having signal output optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch is disclosed for switching optical communication signals between any of a plurality of input optical channels and any of a plurality of output optical channels. The switch comprises a first pattern projector configured to project one or more first control signal radiation patterns and a plurality of output encoders. Each output encoder is associated with one of the plurality of output optical channels. Each output encoder is positioned, relative to its associated output optical channel and the first pattern projector, to receive the first control signal radiation patterns and to detect at least a portion of one or more corresponding output Moiré interference patterns produced by the control signal radiation patterns. Each output encoder is configured to generate a corresponding output control signal indicative of an intensity of detected output Moiré interference patterns.

Abstract: An improved method and system of aligning an optical fiber or optical fiber array to an optical circuit device couples an optical signal source and an optical measuring device to the optical fiber array, the other side of which array is coupled to the same side of the optical circuit device, thereby forming an initial U-shaped optical path from the optical signal source to the optical fiber array to the optical circuit device to the optical fiber array and to the optical measuring device. The optical path is adjusted until the optical measuring device finds a characteristic of the optical signal to be satisfactory. At that time, the final alignment may be fixed or made permanent. The characteristic of the optical signal may include, for example, the intensity of the optical signal, which is preferably at a maximum or the insertion loss which is preferably at a minimum.

Abstract: A fiber optic module according to the invention includes a housing, a light source, a positioning device, and an optical fiber. The housing defines interior and exterior regions of the module. The housing has a source receiving aperture and a fiber receiving aperture. Each aperture extends from the exterior region of the module to the interior region thereof. The light source is attached to the housing and extends at least partially into the interior region of the module through the source receiving aperture. The positioning device is attached to the housing and extends at least partially into the interior region of the module through the fiber receiving aperture. The positioning device has a central axis, an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of the fiber receiving aperture, and a bore extending through at least a portion thereof. The bore has an axis that is eccentric with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A self-contained means to move a media or component, such as fiber (12) or other miniature object, such as a lens, into a desired position is given. The fiber (12) or component is moved in various dimensions to achieve the desired location and is locked into position after the move. An input electrical signal, such as a voltage or current controls movement. A thermal actuator comprises the micro-positioner (80) using semiconductor technology in one embodiment. In another embodiment, of the present invention, a thermal or electrostatic actuator uses mechanical gears to move the fiber. Another embodiment of the present invention is implemented using mechanical technology such as microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. Another embodiment of the present invention, utilizes piezoelectric materials to facilitate fiber movement.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning mechanism for positioning an optical element relatively to a second element is provided. The adjustable positioning mechanism comprises a reference plate having a predetermined shaped socket providing a reference mating surface, and a mobile member for holding the optical element. The mobile member has a shaped mating portion at least part of which is defined by a spherical surface adapted for fitting into the reference plate socket and abutting against the reference mating surface, thereby providing a pivot type of joint between the reference plate and the mobile member. The adjustable positioning mechanism is also provided with a deformable maintaining element connected to the mobile member acting against the reference plate and adapted to rotatively hold the mobile member and the reference plate together in cooperation with the pivot joint.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical substrate having a first surface on which a lens element is formed, and a second surface with a projecting part or parts. The projecting part or parts are mated with a corresponding groove or grooves in the surface of a supporting substrate on which an optical element is mounted. The optical element is thereby optically aligned with the lens element. The projecting part or parts and groove or grooves are preferably formed by photolithography.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a fiber optic pigtail, a sleeve in which the pigtail is housed, a collimating lens, a rod upon which is mounted an optical device and a lens sleeve in which the lens and rod are housed. Bonding lines bond the rod and lens to the lens sleeve, the pigtail to the pigtail sleeve, and the pigtail sleeve to the lens sleeve. The optical assembly and method of fabrication thereof support multiple optical device geometries, longitudinal adjustment of the position of the optical device within the optical assembly, an extended bonding line between the optical device and the environment outside the optical assembly, full x-y-z positioning of the pigtail relative to the lens and reduced reliance on bonding line thickness irregularities.

Abstract: The present invention is an optoelectronic device including a circuit board with a plurality of signal traces, a first ground plane, and a second ground plane. The impedance of a signal trace is determined by which of the first ground plane and the second ground plane is closest to the signal trace. The area of the first ground plane coincident with a first signal trace is left intact in order to set the impedance of the first signal trace, by reference to the first ground plane. The area of the first ground plane coincident with a second signal trace is removed in order to set the impedance of the second signal trace, by reference to the second ground plane.

Abstract: An aligning mechanism having stage mechanisms, each of which is composed of a first stage capable of moving in the direction in which a fiber array b advances to and retreats from a waveguide type optical member a, a holding section sustaining member 2 for the fiber array and a second stage 5 capable of moving in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fiber array spreads, wherein angle adjusting mechanisms 6 and 7 capable rotating around the rotation axis perpendicular to both the said directions are provided between the first and second stages and the holding section sustaining member and the second stage. One aligning unit can be used for aligning either of two fiber arrays and a waveguide type optical member respectively having orthogonally ground end faces or either of fiber arrays and a waveguide type optical member respectively having obliquely ground end faces, and also allows the angle to be easily changed in response to the angle of the end faces.

Abstract: An optical path-changing device has a cladding having a first face, a second face, and at least one mirror surface; and cores, each core having a first core end surface exposed at the first face and a second core end surface exposed at the second face, each core providing a continuous optical path extending from the first core end surface to the mirror surface, changing in direction at the mirror surface, and extending to the second core end surface. The first core end surfaces and the second core end surfaces are arranged two-dimensionally at the first face and the second face, respectively. First pin insertion apertures on an exterior casing member accommodating the optical path-changing device provide positional adjustments relative to the optical axes of the first core end surfaces.

Abstract: A method involves aligning each of two optical components to be joined relative to a common standard, removing the common standard, and joining each of two optical components to each other in alignment.

Abstract: A lithographic process is used to place a marking on a waveguide to indicate optical channels within the waveguide. A photonic component is positioned against the waveguide based on the markings and adjusted until aligned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a photonic crystal optical fiber preform by stacking and bonding individual glass disks. In one embodiment, each glass disk has a pattern of voids formed therethrough, and the pattern for each disk is the same. In another embodiment, glass blanks are formed without voids and stacked with disks having voids wherein an optical fiber preform is formed having channels closed at both ends by glass having no channels. Also disclosed is an optical fiber having channels closed at both ends by glass without channels.

Abstract: An inexpensive, robust, and adhesive-free method and apparatus is disclosed for efficiently coupling first and second optical components together utilizing a flexure assembly for fine alignment. An initial three-dimensional rough alignment process positions the first and second optical components proximate to each other and aligns them in three dimensions. The first and second components are then misaligned by a fixed amount, causing a defocus, and then securely fastened together. The fine alignment process uses standard machine screws, or other easily attainable, robust tensioning means to progressively increase the tension around the periphery of the flexure assembly, which causes the flexure to bend and the second optical component to translate along the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly, which re-focuses and three-dimensionally finely aligns the optical components for optimum coupling efficiency in a simple and secure manner.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support section which supports a further section, an optically transmissive substrate, and a dispersive section, the further section transporting plural signal components at respective frequencies along a path of travel. A plurality of optical fibers have ends fixedly coupled to a surface on the substrate. The dispersive section has a dispersive characteristic which deviates a direction of travel of each signal component by a respective different amount to optically map each signal component between the end portion of a respective fiber and the path of travel in the further section. During assembly, the fiber ends are moved relative to the surface while radiation passing through them is monitored, and then they are fixedly coupled to the surface in a selected position.

Abstract: When a guide groove for a lens is formed in a single crystal silicon substrate, a rectangular parallelepiped opening is formed having a width smaller than a desired width of the guide groove and is then processed by wet etching using a KOH solution. Two {111} planes are exposed on at least one end surface of the guide groove in an optical axis direction, and the planes described above are inclined toward the substrate side from the upper and the lower sides. Since a protrusion portion protruding to the guide groove side is not provided at the bottom part of the end surface, a light-emitting diode and a lens can be disposed close to each other, thereby forming an optical coupling device having high optical coupling efficiency obtained between elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable alignment-type optical fiber block in which alignment of waveguides can be changed according to temperature. The optical fiber block includes: a substrate having a receiving section formed at one end of the substrate, the receiving section having a predetermined volume; a ferrule seated in the receiving section, the ferrule having a hole in which an optical fiber is inserted; a first expandable block disposed between one side surface of the ferrule and an inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the first expandable block having a first thermal expansive coefficient; and, a second expandable block disposed between the other side surface of the ferrule and another inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the second expandable block having a second thermal expansive coefficient.

Abstract: An optical component formed from a fiber directly coupled to a photodiode without any intervening optical components such as mirrors or lenses is disclosed. The optical component includes a stripped optical fiber having a core with a flat distal end that extends through a ferrule. The distal flat end of the core is printed with an annular coating of metal leaving a central portion of the core uncovered. The coated flat end of the core is initially aligned with an aperture or active area of a rear side of a back-illuminated photodiode which also includes a coating of metal. With the two parts in abutting engagement, a reflow or a partial melting process is carried out to directly couple the fiber core to the photodiode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical module includes the steps of mounting an optical device onto a substrate with a surface on which an optical part is formed facing the substrate, and aligning an optical fiber with the optical part through the substrate. An aligning guide is provided at an end portion of the optical fiber except an end surface facing the optical part. The guide is attached to a guide receiving section, the position of which is determined relatively with the optical device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit/optoelectronic packaging system (100) which comprises OE and IC components packaged to provide electrical input/output, thermal management, an optical window, and precise passive or mechanical alignment to external optical receivers or transmitters. A transparent insulating substrate having electrical circuitry in a thin silicon layer formed on its top side is positioned between the optical fiber and the optoelectronic device such that an optical path is described between the optoelectronic device and the optical fiber core through the transparent insulating substrate. The optoelectronic devices are mounted on the transparent insulating substrate in a precise positional relationship to guide holes in the substrate. The optical fibers are fixed in an optical fiber connector and are held in a precise positional relationship to guide holes in the connector.

Abstract: A device and method for alignment of an optical fiber with an output facet of a laser diode that are to be co-located on a mount, to obtain a substantially optimum coupling efficiency. The device is particularly applicable to assemblies to be used in a submarine.

Abstract: Two sub-assemblies in a fiber optic device are fitted to mounting faces of a central section. The mounting faces are typically flat and mutually orthogonal, thus permitting the adjustment of the two sub-assemblies in decoupled degrees of freedom. This results in a simpler adjustment procedure for aligning the two sub-assemblies. Furthermore, the mounting of the sub-assemblies using the orthogonal mounting faces permits the use of relatively thin layers of adhesive that reduce misalignment problems arising from mismatched thermal expansion when the temperature changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting system and method in which symmetrical springs are used about a collar in a gimbal system to capture an assembly of a ball and an optical or other type of component. Once captured within the mounting system, the ball/component assembly can pivot until an optimal alignment is reached. Once the optimal alignment is reached, the ball/component assembly is fixed using laser welding.

Abstract: An optical connector adapter advantageously interfaces waveguide devices using passive alignment. The connector adapter includes a substrate for transporting optical signals and having opposing ends and a top reference surface and single side reference surface. A carrier bracket is received over the top reference surface at either end and includes substrate alignment fiducials for aligning the top and side reference surfaces. A substrate carrier receives the substrate and carrier bracket as a subassembly and has carrier alignment fiducials for aligning to the side reference surface and top reference surface and interfacing a waveguide device.

Abstract: Coded video from an on-line MPEG video encoder is stored as a clip in a video server or is otherwise received in the video server and prepared or used for splicing. In order to reduce apparent frame inaccuracy that may result from the splicing process, the on-line MPEG video encoder and the server are coordinated so that the group-of-picture (GOP) structure in the encoder provides specified In-points and Out-points that are valid and desirable for splicing. An encoder control protocol is also provided for remote control of the on-line MPEG video encoder in order to coordinate the on-line MPEG video encoder with the video server.

Abstract: Micro-discharge machining is employed to obtain a die, and an optical package substrate is produced by press formation using such a die. An optical fiber, an optical waveguide, a lens, an isolator, an optical filter and a light receiving/emitting element are mounted by passive alignment.

Abstract: In the production of a hollow cast article having a slit, the release of a hollow cast product from a mold is carried out while opening the hollow cast product. In one embodiment, a core provided with recessed parts (or projected parts) formed in a slit forming part (or an outer peripheral part) is used and the drawing out of the core from the hollow cast product is carried out while opening the hollow cast product by means of the recessed parts (or projected parts) mentioned above. By such a method, a hollow cast article having a slit and projected parts (or recessed parts) formed in a slit part or/and an inner peripheral part thereof is obtained.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for attaching a ferrule to a fiber, such as an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a ferrule supply, a ferrule support, an adhesive dispenser and a fiber support. Components may be computer controlled and the method may provide for automatic attachment of a ferrule to an optical fiber.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator has a first movable waveguide support and a second waveguide support that include first and second waveguides, respectively, such that the first and second waveguides are aligned for propagating an optical energy. An electrically driven actuator positions the movable waveguide support for coupled, optical misalignment relative to the second support to achieve a desired optical attenuation value. The movable waveguide support may be in a cantilevered configuration in which a distal end extends over a surface having an electrode. In this example, applying a drive signal to the electrode deflects the movable support such that the signal coupled between the first waveguide to the second waveguide is attenuated. The drive signal may be set to achieve a desired value for an electrical parameter that varies with the position of the movable waveguide support.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tuning an optical element include, in one aspect, an optical element having a specified response at a predetermined location and means for redirecting incident light to a location on the optical element other than the predetermined location so as to achieve a desired response.

Abstract: A method for accurately mounting an optical element in an optical assembly including precisely positioning the optical element in a desired position with respect to a reference surface, employing a non-metallic adhesive for initially fixing the optical element in the desired position and thereafter employing a metallic adhesive for permanently fixing the optical element in the desired position.

Abstract: A fiber-coupled optical component package comprises a high thermal conductivity base, a housing including a ceramic substrate, an optical component mount aperture formed on the substrate and a substantially planar fiber mount region on the substrate adjacent to the optical component mount aperture. An optical component may be secured within an area defined by the optical component mount aperture and an optical fiber may be secured to the substantially planar fiber mount region to optically couple the fiber and the optical component. A package lid may be placed over one or more of the housing, the optical component, and a portion of the fiber.

Abstract: A zero-clearance receptacle for single mode optical fiber couplers. The zero-clearance receptacle includes an internally fluted V-groove formed by internally extending legs. The zero-clearance receptacle uses the fundamental action of the V-groove to accurately locate an optical fiber ferrule inserted into the zero-clearance receptacle in the radial direction. The zero-clearance receptacle further includes a slot that receives a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the optical ferrule against the V-groove legs. This enables accurate positioning of an optical fiber in the optical ferrule relation to an optical element such as a VCSEL or a photoreceptor. The zero-clearance receptacle beneficially fits into an optical coupler, which may have a lens.

Abstract: A confocal spacer switch for a fast, non-contacting determination of the spacing includes a point-shaped element that simultaneously transmits and receives light, imaging optics that form an image of the light-emitting element on a switching range and a light detection device that is coupled to the light-receiving element and emits a signal if an at least partially reflecting object enters the switching range and reflected light falls onto on the light-receiving element. The light-emitting and the light-receiving element preferably is realized with an optical waveguide end. As a result, the optical spacer switch can be divided into two modules that are connected via the optical waveguide, wherein a purely optical module can be realized in a compact and lightweight manner. A method for inserting components on substrates, uses the spacer switch, for which the insertion speed of the components is reduced immediately prior to inserting them.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the alignment of an optical fiber to an integrated waveguide component comprising a substrate having an integral waveguide comprises a mask arranged to be disposed between the optical fiber and the integrated waveguide component, wherein the mask includes an aperture extending therethrough. In use, the aperture is substantially exactly aligned with the waveguide thereby to permit light from the optical fiber to be transmitted to the waveguide but to substantially prevent light from the optical fiber from passing around the waveguide and/or through the substrate.

Abstract: In a connection between an optical fiber or optical fiber array and an integrated optical waveguide or integrated optical waveguide array mounted or fabricated on a grooved substrate, an end face of an optical fiber array has a first facet and a second facet. The first facet has an inclination angle substantially equal to the inclination angle of an end wall of the substrate groove; the second facet has an inclination angle substantially equal to the inclination angle of the end face of the integrated optical waveguide. When the optical fiber array is mounted on the grooved substrate, each of the fibers rests in one of the substrate grooves. The first facet of each optical fiber end face is aligned with the end wall of the groove in which it rests, and the second facet is aligned with the end face of the integrated optical waveguide.

Abstract: A multi-DOF of positioning device has a main base, a fixed base, a translational Y-axial element, a translational X-axial element, multiple spring-mounted electromechanical actuating units, an elevating device, a rotational angle-adjusting assembly and an optical fiber holder. The translational Y-axial element is moveably mounted on the fixed base along a first axis. The translational X-axial element is moveably mounted on the translational Y-axial element along a second axis. The elevating device is moveably mounted on the main base along a third axis. The spring-mounted electromechanical actuating units are used to translationally move the fixed base, the translational Y-axial element and the elevating device relative to the corresponding structure along one of the axes. The rotational angle-adjusting assembly is mounted on the translational X-axial element and having a capability of rotating relative to the first, the second and the third axes.

Abstract: There are provided an optical module in which an assembling process of its optical coupling part can be simplified, and a method of assembling the optical module. After a surface light receiving type or a surface light emitting type optical element has been mounted on a substrate, in case of mounting an optical fiber array to the substrate with a spacer or spacers interposed between the substrate and the optical fiber array, the optical fiber array is mounted and fixed to the substrate with the spacer or spacers interposed therebetween while alignment between a plurality of light receiving elements or light emitting elements of the optical element and the end surfaces of a plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber array is being carried out by image recognition thereof.

Abstract: One preferred optical fiber array according to the present invention includes a lower substrate, a ribbon cable, a cover and a housing. The lower substrate has a first end and a second end opposed thereto and an upper surface extending between the first end and the second end. The upper surface defines a plurality of grooves that extend across at least a portion of the upper surface. The ribbon cable comprising a plurality of coated optical fibers. An end of the coated optical fibers are bare of the coating. At least a portion of the bare end of each of the plurality of coated fibers rests in one of the plurality of grooves and extend to the first end of the lower substrate. The cover is positioned proximate the first end of the lower substrate and over at least a portion of the bare end of each of the plurality of coated fibers. The cover is bonded to the lower substrate.

Abstract: A tuneable sensor reed for fiber optic vibration sensors. A sensor reed is mounted inside of a sensor case with an adjustable mounting structure such as a screw, bolt, clamp or cam lock. Adjusting the mounting structure changes the stresses on the sensor reed, and therefore adjusts the base frequency without the need to replace the whole sensor case. In a particular embodiment, the sensor reed is held in place by screws that completely penetrate the sensor case, and adjustments are made at the terminal end of the screw, which is on the outside of the sensor case, using for example, lock nuts. This adjustment allows for a sensor reed to be reset to its base frequency to compensate for such things as frequency drift, or to be set to a new frequency as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are a holder and a holder base used for mounting an optical object. The holder fixes an object by making contact with both sides of the object and includes a body having a protruding jaw formed at an upper portion thereof, and a protrusion part extending from the protruding jaw by a predetermined distance, wherein a hole is formed at the front portion of the protrusion part. A sliding member is coupled to the protrusion part through an opening formed at a center thereof and a spring is fixed to one end of the body and the other end of the sliding member, wherein the spring serves to provide an elastic restoring force to the sliding member in a direction towards the body. Further, a fixing nail is inserted into the hole of the protrusion part and is formed at one end thereof with a handle, and a wedge is coupled to the fixing nail through an opening formed at a sidewall thereof and inserted between the protrusion part and an inner wall forming the opening of the sliding member.

Abstract: An optical element 1 comprises an optical substrate having a lens 2, projections 4a and 4b, and a handle 6. The lens 2 is provided to the roughly rectangular handle 6 at a predetermined position thereon, while the projections 4a and 4b are provided to the handle 6 at the respective positions separate from the lens 2 by a predetermined distance and each have a semi-cylindrical shape that extends from a bottom of the handle 6. An overall size of an arc shape of each of the projections 4a and 4b is equal to an overall size of an optical fiber with which the optical element 1 is to be coupled optically. When mounting the optical element 1 on a support substrate having a mounting groove therein, the projections 4a and 4b butt against the mounting groove, thereby positioning the optical element 1 in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.