Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: A new type of transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) especially suitable for fiber optic communication. The TOSA has a light source such as a laser diode, preferably of the surface-emitting type, with an inherent mode-field diameter matched without a lens to that of the optical fiber, resulting in enhanced light coupling, more relaxed tolerances, and less sensitivity to laser misalignment. The TOSA can be in a receptacle form, with an annulus having a light conductor matched to the light source and the fiber, or can be in "pigtail" form with a permanently attached buffered optical fiber. Only one active alignment is required, and can be eliminated, if the laser diode is aligned passively using lands on the annulus or the end of the fiber cladding, and matching lands on a mounting substrate, with molten solder alignment used to draw the two into alignment.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling an optical fiber to an active optical device has a metal sleeve and an L-shaped alignment block having perpendicularly disposed reference surfaces. A resilient member on the sleeve biases an optical fiber terminating plug against the reference surfaces. The active optical device is attached to a ceramic sub-mount and the sub-mount is placed on one of the reference surfaces. The sub-mount is sized so that an optical port for the active optical device will become aligned with the central axis of the plug. To couple the optical fiber with the active optical device, the plug is slid into contact with the active optical device and is rotated until the fiber is substantially registered with the optical port. The sleeve may have a second resilient member for receiving another plug from the opposite end of the sleeve with a fiber in the other plug being coupled to a second optical port.

Abstract: A waveguide (12) having a core region (16) and a cladding region (20) is formed. A portion of the cladding region (20) forms a first surface (21) and portions of both the core region (16) and the cladding region (20) forms an end surface (15). An insulative flexible substrate (14) having an electrically conductive tracing (32) with a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the insulative flexible substrate (14) is mounted on the end surface of the waveguide (12).

Abstract: In a method of adjusting an optical axis of an optical fiber to a beam axis of a light beam of an optical element, light power values are measured at a plurality of positions to define a specific function which is determined by the light power values and the positions and which has a specific maximum value at a specific maximum position. The optical fiber and the optical element are relatively moved to the specific maximum position to measure a measured light value at the specific maximum position. The specific function is modified by the use of the measured light value to relatively move the optical fiber and the optical element to a final position. Such adjustment may be made three-dimensionally and/or rotatably. On rotatable adjustment, a predetermined value may be set instead of the specific maximum value.

Abstract: An optical element-optical fiber composite structure having a high resistance of the optical fiber to breakage due to cyclical change in temperature, includes a package structure having a main container, side containers attached to the main container and sleeves through which a main chamber of the main container is connected to side chambers of the side containers; an optical element housed in the main chamber; and optical fibers introduced into the main chamber through the side chambers and the sleeves and connected to the optical element.

Abstract: A waveguide mounting board having an array of ridge type waveguides on a surface thereof is automatically centered with an optical fiber board having a corresponding array of optical fibers by seating elongated alignment rails on the waveguide mounting board within alignment V-grooves in the fiber board. The alignment rails each comprises a short length of an optical fiber mounted on a pair of parallel alignment ridges. The alignment ridges are generally similar to the ridge type waveguides and are formed simultaneously therewith using a common photomask.

Abstract: A method for aligning a substantially co-linear array of lasers with a substantially co-linear array of optical fibers, comprising the steps of activating a laser in proximity to a first end of said laser array, positioning the laser array with respect to the fiber array to maximize energy coupled from the activated laser to its corresponding fiber, activating a laser in proximity to a second end of said laser array; and positioning the laser array with respect to the fiber array to maximize energy coupled from the activated laser to its corresponding fiber.

Abstract: An optoelectronic component includes a housing having a first body and a second, spherical body, and an optoelectronic semiconductor element mounted in the second, spherical body. The second, spherical body is adjustably journalled in a cylindrical recess of the first body. The cylindrical recess includes an opening edge and the spherical body includes a portion having substantially the same outer periphery diameter as the diameter of the cylindrical recess at the level with the opening edge of the cylindrical body. A welded joint extends around the whole opening edge to provide a hermetically sealed joint between the opening edge and that portion of the spherical body.

Abstract: A light coupling device for coupling a light source to an optical fiber. The device includes a first cylindrical sleeve carrying a GRIN lens and a ferrule. The ferrule receives the optical fiber. Movability of the ferrule along the optical axis of a first through-hole in the first sleeve allows a determination of a focal length between the GRIN lens and an incident end face of the optical fiber. A first setting means sets a relative position of the ferrule with respect to the first sleeve for holding the two in position with respect to one another when the GRIN lens and the incident end face of the optical fiber are separated by a distance equal to the focal length therebetween. The device further includes a second cylindrical sleeve. The first sleeve is coaxially disposed within a second through-hole of the second sleeve, and a light source unit is concentrically disposed within the second through-hole.

Abstract: An analog photodiode (PD) module converts light including many AM signals of different frequencies into electric signals. It is desirable to suppress the distortion caused by the non-linearlity of the light-current conversion in the PD module as completely as possible. Extreme convergence of beams enhances the sensitivity but raises the distortion. Prior modules suppressed the distortion at an expense of the sensitivity. The present invention overcomes this problem by positioning the end of the fiber at a point which is closer to the lens than the maximum sensitivity range, thereby providing a distortion that is smaller than the predetermined value. The high sensitivity and the low distortion are compatible at the point.

Abstract: An assembly of an optical interconnect module adaptable for mating with an optical connector having at least one optical fiber and an alignment pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a fiber tip of an optic fiber in position with respect to a fiber communications circuit disposed on a carrier having a planar surface. In the method, the steps include supporting the optic fiber with a block having a planar surface such that a movement of the block causes a corresponding movement of the fiber tip. The steps further include placing the planar surface of the block in contact with the planar surface of the carrier, thereby defining a reference plane between the block and the carrier. Finally, after the placing step, there is the steps of automatically establishing a first relative position between the block and the carrier along a first dimension of the reference plane, and automatically establishing a second relative position between the block and the carrier along a second dimension of the reference plane, wherein the second dimension is orthogonal to the first dimension.

Abstract: The end of an optical fibre is held in alignment with an injection laser by securing the fibre to an elongate support member whose end nearer the injection laser is then laser beam welded to a pair of slide members that have previously been secured by laser beam welding to leave a precisely dimensioned small gap between the support and slide members. The smallness of the gap minimises displacement of the fibre during the welding process. The end of the support member remote from the injection laser is secured by laser beam welding to a plastically deformable saddle.

Abstract: Device for connecting at least one optical fiber to at least one integrated-optics waveguide which is formed within a substrate at a predetermined distance from one of the faces of the substrate constituting a reference plane, including a receptacle (2) capable of receiving the terminal portion of the optical fiber (8) and a planar support (3) capable of receiving the substrate (9) applied against said support (3) through its reference plane (9a), the receptacle (2) and the support (3) being arranged in such a manner that the axis of the waveguide (10) and the axis of the optical fiber (8) are situated in one and the same plane parallel to the reference plane (9a) of the substrate (9).

Abstract: An optical fiber alignment assembly including an alignment fixture for controllably positioning an optical fiber including an optical fiber carrier defining at least one channel extending inwardly from a first surface of the optical fiber carrier which is adapted for receiving an optical fiber. The optical fiber carrier also defines at least one passageway from a second surface of the optical fiber carrier, opposite the first surface, to each channel. The passageway is at least partially filled with a thermal transfer material and an optical fiber bonding material is disposed within the channel and is adapted to bond an optical fiber to the optical fiber carrier. The optical fiber bonding material has a predetermined melting temperature such that by applying heat to the thermal transfer material, the optical fiber bonding material becomes at least partially malleable.

Abstract: A light coupler comprises a light source and a light conductor coupled together by a housing. The housing is permanently deformed to increase light coupling between the light source and the light conductor.

Abstract: An optical device, e.g. a signal generator adapted to provide an optical signal to a fibre tail or to a socket adapted to receive a fibre tail, is assembled by two thin films of adhesive. One film is normal to the beam path and, preferably 50-200.mu. thick. The other film is parallel to the beam path, e.g. surrounding the beam path, and preferably 30-90.mu. thick. Conveniently the device includes an intermediary component and end of said film adheres one of said components to said intermediary component.

Abstract: A downhole inspection tool is attached to the lower end of a length of coiled tubing having an electrical/fiberoptic cable threaded through the center. The coiled tubing carries a flow of optically clear and/or acoustically homogeneous fluid from a supply of such fluid at the surface. The tool itself includes a cable head subassembly module attached to the lower end of the coiled tubing and terminates the electrical and optical conductors within the cable. An inspection module for producing an electrical signal indicative of downhole conditions is detachably connected to the lower end of the cable head assembly module. An outer flow tube is mechanically connected to the inspection module and surrounds both of the modules to define an annular space therebetween.

Abstract: A laser-optical fiber tuning and control system which optimizes coupling of a laser output into an optical fiber by minimizing the amount of light scattered into the fiber cladding, which provides a realtime indication of whether the radiation reaches the output end of the fiber to an emergency shut-down switch, and which provides a communications system for control of the laser from the output end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for an integrated optical circuit, a cover for an integrated optical circuit, and an integrated optical circuit made with this cover are proposed. The method serves to minimize the effort and expense in integrating optical components in fiberoptical systems. An optical element 29 is placed in a molding die (10) with adjusting elements (13) that adjust the optical component (29) in its position, and a curable liquid is cast all around the optical component (29), and after it solidifies, this liquid forms the cover (25).

Abstract: Optical metrology apparatus, specifically a laser probe (1), includes a frame (10) comprised of a material selected to have a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion. A beamsplitter (36) is coupled to the frame for generating a sample beam optical path (D) and a reference beam optical path (C). The beamsplitter is optically coupled to an optical fiber (12) that delivers radiation to and conveys radiation from the frame. A piezoelectric stack (48) has an excitation signal coupled thereto and includes a mirror (26) for phase modulating the reference beam optical path length in response to the excitation signal. The laser probe includes a first strain gauge (58) that is coupled to the piezoelectric stack and a second strain gauge (60) that is coupled to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector having a shielding apparatus for protecting the exposed end of a fiber optic. The shielding apparatus of the connector generally comprises a cylindrical housing, a collet, and a protective sleeve. The cylindrical housing comprises first and second ends and a through-hole for reception of a fiber optic having a fiber optic end protruding from the first end of the cylindrical housing. The collet comprises a tubular body with first and second ends and a through-hole passing between the ends for movable reception of the cylindrical housing, with the second end of the tubular body being split to form a plurality of prongs arranged coaxially with the through-hole of the collet.

Abstract: An optoelectronic subassembly is illustrated which ensures the alignment of multiple optoelectronic devices without special assembly process. The optoelectronic devices are mounted upon specially designed sub-carriers which may be used to test the devices prior to completing the subassembly. The subassembly improves yields of complex optoelectronic systems and lowers resultant production costs.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: A speaker system designed to use wider resonant sound waves by two conventional speakers which are symmetrically and oppositely disposed to face one another along a co-axis on which both axes of the cone paper vibrator of the speakers are aligned. A sponge like sound wave absorbing material with cone-shaped recesses may be disposed in between the speaker and spherical speaker case.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An optical system comprises a hybrid optical motherboard having a plurality of optical interconnections formed therein, and a connector. A connector region is formed in, but does not extend completely along, an edge portion of the hybrid optical motherboard. The connector region contains a number of optical interconnections, and the connector contains an optical device. The connector is connectible to the connector region to align the optical device of the connector with the optical interconnections contained in the connector region. The connector and the connector region each comprises first and second substrates made of crystalline material and containing intersecting planes which can be delineated by etching. Each first substrate is formed with etched alignment grooves, and each second substrate is formed with etched alignment grooves which are complementary to the alignment grooves of the associated first substrate.

Abstract: According to this invention, a semiconductor laser device includes a coaxial package and a semiconductor laser chip. The semiconductor laser chip is incorporated in the package such that an emission position of the semiconductor laser chip is shifted from an axis of the package.

Abstract: An optical alignment structure is described for coupling the output of a laser diode to an optical fiber. The structure includes a rigid outer block which holds the laser diode in tight thermal contact, The block defines a cavity within which there is an optic axis along which the output from the diode flows. A coupling lens set is held within the cavity by a lens holder cantilevered within the same via a flex connection. Adjustment screws are provided extending through the block to adjust the position of the lens holder relative to the optic axis. The end of the optical fiber within which the radiation is to be coupled is held in position by a ferrule which is adjustable longitudinally along the optic axis. A selected position for the same along the axis is maintained via a set screw.

Abstract: A method of splicing a pair of optical fibers including, molding a base with a groove therein extending from a first inlet to a second inlet with a tapered portion at each inlet to act as a guide during the positioning of the fibers. Positioning the ends of the optical fibers in the inlets of the groove and introducing an index matching fluid into the groove. A cover having a hole therethrough may be positioned over the groove and the fluid introduced through the hole. The fluid is cured to hold the fibers fixedly in the groove and form an optical link therebetween. The cover may be molded with a perpendicular groove therein and photonic devices mounted in the cover groove.

Abstract: A sub-assembly containing an optical element and having a holder portion into which a ferrule that is attached to the end portion of an optical fiber can be inserted with sufficient gap, an electronic circuit electrically connected to the optical element, and a lead frame are molded with a transfer mold resin to produce a molded sub-assembly. The ferrule is inserted into the holder portion of the molded subassembly, and the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and the optical element is adjusted while moving the ferrule in the ferrule insertion direction, a direction perpendicular thereto or by rotating the ferrule.

Abstract: An optoelectronic component has a housing (3) connected to a light guide (7, 8) for transmission of light to/from two optoelectronic semiconductor elements (1, 2) mounted in the housing. Light to a first one of the semiconductor elements (2) is deflected towards this element by a partially transmitting mirror (5). For common adjustment during assembly, the semiconductor element (2) and the mirror (5) are spherically journalled in the housing. The second semiconductor element (1) is rotatably journalled in relation to the mirror (5) and the first semiconductor element (2) for adjustment during assembly.

Abstract: In a method of coupling an optical fiber to an optical component on the same substrate, eccentricity of the core of a coupling fiber is exploited to adjust the vertical position of the core by rotation of the fiber about its axis. This adjustment is carried out with the fiber held in contact with a horizontal reference surface of a substrate also carrying a laser diode constituting the component to which the fiber must be coupled. The method can be used to implement transmission headers for optical fiber telecommunication systems.

Abstract: An optical packaging arrangement is disclosed which utilizes silicon technology and overmolding techniques to provide a single in-line package with completely passive alignment between the various optical components. The technique as disclosed is useful in the packaging of a single active optical device and associated electronics, a pair of optical devices and electronics (transceiver), or an array of any desired number of such components. Since the silicon may be processed to include etched alignment fiducials and metallized bond pad sites, solder bump self-alignment and silicon optical bench technology may be used to provide for alignment between the active device, coupling lens and associated optical fiber.

Abstract: An illumination assembly includes a lens housing having a first end and a second end, a first lens having first and second opposing surfaces with the first lens being disposed in a first end of the lens housing. A cane having a first a second surfaces is disposed in the lens housing with the first surface of the cane being spaced a predetermined distance from a first surface of the lens and wherein the second surface of the cane is polished and disposed against a first polished surface of a fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: A new fiber optic connector housing and a new fiber optic receptacle, both of which conform to a new standard proposed by the X3T9.3 committee of the American National Standards Institute, are disclosed. In addition, four accessory devices for electro-optic modules, each of which includes one or more essentially conventional plug frames which fit into either one or more conventional, individual fiber optic connector housings or the new fiber optic connector housing, are disclosed.

Abstract: The material similarity of all-silica waveguides or other devices and optical fibers is utilized to establish an epoxy-free fusion interfacing between optical fibers and integrated-optic devices by using laser welding techniques. This is uniquely applicable to all-silica integrated devices since they have virtually identical material properties to those of optical fibers. The method comprises the steps of machining a locating groove in a silica block, fixing a prepared length of the optical fiber in the locating groove, bringing the block and the device into juxtaposition and aligning the block and the device to provide maximum transmission of a signal from the fiber to the device and laser welding the block and the device together.

Abstract: Clock pulses from a master oscillator are distributed in a multiprocessor computer system so that they arrive at a large number of utilization points located in operating clusters of modules within extremely tight time tolerances of each other. The delays associated with each component, electrical or optical connection, cable or the like are determined by direct measurement or by using known standard characteristics. A time delay budget for each complete clock pulse path from the point of initial divergence from the master clock source to the final chip delivery point is logged and summed. Components capable of introducing predetermined amounts of time delay are incorporated in some or all clock pulse paths. These components are adjusted so as to balance out the differences determined from the clock path budgets. The clock paths are implemented in electrical components either alone or in combination with optical components, or in substantially all optical configurations.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An optical device (112, 212, 312) with first (118) and second contacts (119, 219, 319), a molded waveguide (101,201) with first (115) and second metal tracks (117) and electrical couplings from contact (118) to the first metal track (115, 315) and from the second contact (119, 219) to the second metal track (117, 217, 317) by reflowing first and second bump balls (126) positioned between the first (118) and second (119) contacts and the first (115) and second (117) metal tracks, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for routing optical fiber comprises an elongated manipulator (20, FIG. 2) having a vertical axis which can be controlled to move in an X-Y plane and in the .theta. direction around its vertical axis. A rotatable wheel (21) is mounted on a free end of the manipulator, and a reel (19) containing optical fiber (17) is mounted on one side of the manipulator. The fiber is threaded over a peripheral portion of the wheel and the wheel presses the fiber against an adhesive-coated surface of a substrate (18) to cause it to adhere to the coated surface. The manipulator is then moved in a direction parallel to the flat surface at an appropriate speed and direction to cause the wheel to rotate and to exert tension on the optical fiber. The tension causes additional optical fiber to unwind from the reel and to be fed to the wheel for adherence to the coated surface, thereby to form a continuous optical fiber portion extending along, and adhered to, the coated surface.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting a waveguide (102), an optoelectronic component 101, and an electronic component (103). A first surface (108) is formed from a portion of cladding region(107) and a second surface (109) is formed from a portion of core region and a portion of the cladding region. A substrate (104) having electrical tracings (212', 213') is attached to the waveguide (102) so that an electronic component receiving area (111') and an optoelectronic component area (112') are attached to the first and second surface (108, 109) of the waveguide (102) respectively. An electronic component (103) and an optoelectronic component (101) are mounted to the electronic component receiving area (111') and the optoelectronic receiving area (112') respectively.

Abstract: Alignment of an optical fiber coupled to a surface emitting or surface receiving optical element situated on a substrate wherein the optical fiber is situated in a via hole on an alignment chip. The alignment is bonded to the substrate using at least one solder bond.

Abstract: An opto-electronic component includes an opto-electronic device of either the edge or the surface active type mounted on a pedestal. A fiber is positionied by a positioning device apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes a superimposed first and a second arm. Each arm may be subdivided into a first and a second finger. The arms (and fingers) are fabricated from a crystalline material. The arms (and fingers) are biased toward a closed position. An optical fiber introduced into a channel defined by the superimposed arms is initially deflected so that a point on the end face of the fiber is placed into alignment with a reference axis. Further axial movement of the fiber through the channel causes the arms to move against the bias force to hold the point on the axis, regardless of the diameter of the fiber.

Abstract: The inventive method is advantageously used in the manufacture of an article that comprises an opto-electronic device (e.g., LED or photodetector diode) that has a substantially planar radiation-emitting or receiving (first) surface region. The method comprises preliminarily positioning the end of a length of optical fiber relative to the first surface region, and causing radiation from a radiation source to be emitted from the fiber end so as to be incident substantially normally on the first surface region. A part of the radiation is reflected, collected by the fiber end, and transmitted to a power meter. The output of the power meter (or a quantity derived therefrom) is compared to a pre-determined measurement value and, if indicated by the comparison, the position of the fiber end is adjusted. A significant aspect of the invention is the existence of an easily measured relationship between the reflected power received by the power meter and the distance .DELTA.

Abstract: Polarization of the optical fibers (24, 32) of pin-and-socket-type optical fiber termini is provided by extending a sleeve (44) around an optical fiber terminus (15, 26), positioning the optical fiber terminus in a body (11, 12) with the sleeve (44) and body having means for positioning the sleeve (44) in predetermined rotational position, then rotating the optical fiber terminus (15, 26) until its fiber (24, 32) achieves a known polarization, and bonding the fiber and sleeve together by an adhesive (57). The terminus (15, 26) and sleeve (44) may be removed from the body (11, 12) and placed in an optical fiber connector (64, 67) by positioning the sleeve in a known rotational position relative to the connector, which will cause the optical fiber to have a predetermined polarization in the optical fiber connector.

Abstract: Connector apparatus for coupling an optical fiber cable with laser devices. The apparatus comprises a receptacle terminating aligned fibers of the optical cable in a planar surface perpendicular to a central axis of the receptacle. A plug mounts a plurality of laser devices each having an electrical terminal for connecting a laser device to an external source and an optical terminal aligned in a planar surface perpendicular to a central axis of the plug with each optical terminal positioned to correspond with one of the receptacle fibers. The plug slidably engages the receptacle and is affixed thereto to position the receptacle planar surface adjacent to and aligned with the plug planar surface to optically couple each laser device with a corresponding fiber of the optical cable.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a laser beam into an optical fibre includes a base plate carrying a laser holder and an optical fibre holder substantially aligned with each other along a common axis. The optical fibre holder includes an inner housing disposed within an outer housing and formed with a bore for receiving the end of the optical fibre. One housing includes pin adjusting means for adjusting the received end of the optical fibre substantially parallel to the common axis; and the other housing includes pin adjusting means for adjusting the received end of the optical fibre substantially perpendicularly and/or angularly to the common axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly having a housing with front and rear barrels is readily securable to a printed circuit board. A laser device is positioned in the rear barrel portion and an optical fiber ferrule device is insertable into the front barrel portion for receiving laser light. An insert member means for positioning the ferrule means in proximity to the laser means is disposed in the rear barrel portion forward of the laser means.