Abstract: This invention relates to an alignment apparatus for aligning a planar optical wave-guide element and an optical fiber block wherein alignment can be completed with more precision and less expense than conventional methods. The alignment apparatus comprising a lower plate; a sliding table mounted on the lower plate capable of horizontal displacement on the lower plate; an upper plate mounted to the sliding table; and, a jig disposed on the upper plate and fixed to rotational means and capable of rotation about the upper plate for holding the optical fiber block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching a bulk element processing an optical beam to a PLC and optically aligning the bulk element with an optical element formed on the PLC. The method begins by securing the bulk element to a first side of a substrate. A first side of a flexure element is secured to the first side of the substrate. A second side of the flexure element is secured to a first side of the PLC on which the optical element is formed such that the bulk element and the optical element are in optical alignment to within a first level of tolerance. Subsequent to the step of securing the second side of the flexure element, a force is exerted on at least a second side of the substrate to thereby flex the flexure element. The force causes sufficient flexure of the flexure element to optically align the bulk element and optical element to within a second level of tolerance that is more stringent than the first level of tolerance.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module including a sleeve, a base, and an adjustable toggle. The sleeve extends from the base and is inserted by an optical fiber. The base is formed with a receiving hole. The toggle is coaxially arranged within the receiving hole. The toggle has a penetrating hole for combining with an optical transceiver element. The toggle is installed with an annular flange for adjusting the orientation of the optical transceiver element. A spring is installed in the receiving hole so that the orientation of optical transceiver module is adjustable to any direction. Thereby a light from a laser diode is precisely focused to a core of an optical fiber.

Abstract: A first plurality of stages each support a ferrule surrounding an end portion of a corresponding one of N optical input fibers. A second plurality of stages each support a ferrule surrounding an end portion of a corresponding one of M optical output fibers. Mechanical mechanisms translate the stages along a plurality of orthogonal X and Y axes to align a facet of a selected one of the N input optical fibers with a facet of a selected one of the M output optical fibers. The stages of the input optical fibers, the output optical fibers, or both, have mechanical mechanisms for moving the ferrules along Z axes perpendicular to the X and Y axes into and out of alignment holes of a central panel to physically mate the facets of the coupled fibers.

Abstract: A mounting platform provides support and packaging for one or more fiber Bragg gratings and electronic circuitry (e.g., heaters, coolers, piezoelectric strain providers, temperature and strain sensors, feedback circuitry, control loops), which may be printed on or on the mounting platform, embedded in the mounting platform, or may be an “off-board” chip solution (e.g., the electronic circuitry may be attached to the mounting platform, but not formed on or defined on the mounting platform). The fiber Bragg gratings are held in close proximity to the electronic circuitry, which applies local and global temperature and/or strain variations to the fiber Bragg gratings to, for example, stabilize and/or tune spectral properties of the fiber Bragg gratings so that spatial variations in the fiber Bragg gratings that result from processing and manufacturing fluctuations and tolerances can be compensated for.

Abstract: Optically-coupled memory systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system memory includes a carrier substrate, and a controller attached to the carrier substrate and operable to transmit and receive optical signals, and first and second memory modules. The module substrate of the first memory module has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being operable to provide an optical path for optical signals between the controller and an optical transmitter/receiver unit of the second memory module. Thus, the system memory provides the advantages of “free space” optical connection in a compact arrangement of memory modules. In an alternate embodiment, the first memory module includes a beam splitter attached to the module substrate proximate the aperture. In another embodiment, the first and second memory modules are staged on the carrier substrate to provide an unobstructed path for optical signals.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device is provided having an active alignment. The lens and the optoelectronic device are mounted on their respective carrying members, and the carrying members are placed proximate to each other in a loose alignment controlled by alignment pins loosely engaging oversized alignment opening. An alignment range is created by a difference in the diameter of the alignment pins and the alignment opening, allowing the lens and optoelectronic device to be moved with respect to each other and actively aligned. The member carrying the lens may also include a connector stop cooperatively arranged with the alignment pins to provide an aligned coupling between an optical fiber connector and the optoelectronic component.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, opto-electronic array housing assembly having a ceramic base, electrical connectors, a metal can, and a glass window. The glass window can support a micro-lens array. The metal can receives the glass window. The electrical impedance of the electrical connectors is beneficially carefully controlled to enable high-speed data communications. A multi-element optical fiber connector can provide for optical communications to and/or from an opto-electronic array contained within the housing.

Abstract: A fiber-pigtailed assembly for an optical detector with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity has a detector surface mounted adjacent a beveled end of a fiber pigtail such that the detector surface is tilted and rotated with respect to the beveled end of the fiber pigtail. Also an external optical fiber may be coupled to the fiber pigtail with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity by having an input ferrule at the end of the external optical fiber, the end being beveled; by having an intermediate ferrule at a coupling end of the fiber pigtail, the coupling end being beveled while the other end of the ferrule is beveled by the same amount but approximately orthogonal to the coupling end; and by having an output ferrule on the fiber pigtail adjacent to the intermediate ferrule, the end of the output ferrule adjacent to the intermediate ferrule being beveled.

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 process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component.

Abstract: Process and device for the passive alignment of optical fibers and optoelectronic components. According to the invention, at least one component comprising a substrate layer, a first layer and a second layer comprising at least one active zone (16) is used, the component is placed on the support, the second layer facing it, the component is at least partially coated with a coating material (30) from the support to a level beyond that of the first layer and selectively up to this level at least a part of the substrate facing the active zone is removed in order to reveal a cavity (38) able to accept one end of at least one optical fiber (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling unit for optically coupling a multi-channel optical plug-in element to at least one opto-electronic converter of a multi-channel transmitter and/or receiver unit and to a method for inserting optical wave guides into said optical coupling unit. The coupling unit comprises a first coupling side for optical coupling to the multi-channel optical plug-in element, a second coupling side for optical coupling to the at least one opto-electronic converter and a plurality of receiving openings for optical wave guides; said openings being arranged on a plane, extending from the first coupling side to the second coupling side. According to the invention, the coupling unit is embodied in a single piece and the receiving openings extend at least partially inside the coupling unit. The optical wave guides are inserted into the single-piece coupling unit with the aid of an optical plug-in element.

Abstract: A filter device for transmitting an optical signal using multiple wavelengths is disclosed. The filter device includes a fixation unit fixed to a substrate, a rotation unit having a filter rotatably installed on the fixation unit, and a control means for obtaining a predetermined wavelength by controlling the rotation angle of the filter through gear combinations corresponding positions of the fixation unit and the rotation unit. The alignment and fixation of the filter are controlled simultaneously through the gearing combinations between the gear teeth on the guide rib of the rotation unit and the teeth of the spur gear fixed to the bolt.

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: 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 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 directed to a reconfigurable data communications system. The system includes a removable optical backplane connector with a first end and a second end, a first data communications card, and a switch fabric card. The first data communications card includes an optical port configured to receive the first end of the removable optical backplane connector. The switch fabric card has a plurality of optical ports adapted to receive the second end of the removable optical backplane connector.

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: Concepts for conveniently arranging devices for the transduction of signals to and from voltage and current domains to infrared radiation domains is described. Specifically, optoelectronic components and methods of making the same are described. In one aspect, the optoelectronic component includes a base substrate having a pair of angled (or substantially perpendicular) faces with electrical traces extending therebetween. A semiconductor chip assembly is mounted on the first face of the base substrate and a photonic device is mounted on the second face. Both the semiconductor chip assembly and the photonic device are electrically connected to traces on the base substrate. The semiconductor chip assembly is generally arranged to be electrically connected to external devices. The photonic devices are generally arranged to optically communicate with one or more optical fibers. The described structure may be used with a wide variety of photonic devices.

Abstract: An optical transmitter comprises an optical transmission unit having a semiconductor optical amplifier, and an optical connector having a plurality of diffraction gratings. The plurality of diffraction gratings are arranged in parallel with each other and partly reflect respective wavelengths of light different from each other. The optical connector is connected to the optical transmission unit such that light from the semiconductor optical amplifier is incident on one of the plurality of diffraction gratings.

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: In the present invention, a frame for mounting a fiber optic taper and a CCD chip in optical contact comprises a resilient support for supporting the fiber optic taper adjacent the CCD chip, means for lowering the fiber optic taper towards the CCD chip and means for applying pressure to urge the fiber optic taper onto the CCD chip. The weight of the fiber optic taper is supported by the resilient support as it is lowered into contact with the chip. Once in engagement with the CCD chip, the fiber optic taper can be pressed against the CCD chip to provide a positive pressure in excess of that due to its weight. As the support is resilient, it provides resistance to the positive pressure, thereby preventing the pressure on the CCD chip from becoming great enough to cause damage to the fragile CCD chip.

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: A network for distributing signals to a plurality of user apparatuses having a distribution unit with a plurality of ports, and a plurality of optical-fiber cables connected to the ports and suitable to make the plurality of ports of the distribution unit communicate with the plurality of user apparatuses. At least one of the plurality of optical-fiber cables is an electrically terminated optical cable having an optical cable with a single-mode optical fiber and an opto-electronic end portion mechanically and permanently connected to an end of the optical cable, and the opto-electronic end portion has an opto-electronic conversion device having an optic port optically aligned with and mechanically connected to, an end of the single-mode optical fiber.

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: A capillary has an opening of a dimension for accommodating an insertion of a first and second optical fiber, a clamp to provide a clamping force to the capillary to removably couple the capillary to the clamp, and a capillary rotator removably coupled to the capillary to apply a rotational force to the capillary which is greater than the capillary force, to rotate the capillary to a selected position. An optical fiber rotator can be disposed adjacent to the first optical fiber to rotate the first optical fiber such that the first optical fiber has a selected orientation with respect to the second optical fiber.

Abstract: An electro-optic module with an optical coupling efficiency, the module comprising a receptacle assembly, wherein an end of the receptacle assembly is capable of receiving a light guiding element and wherein an opposite end of the receptacle assembly is capable of receiving an optical lens assembly positioned therein the receptacle assembly. An optoelectric package which includes an optoelectronic device is capable of being affixed to the opposite end of the receptacle assembly wherein an optical axis extends from the end to the opposite end of the receptacle assembly such that the light guiding element and the optoelectric device are in communication through a lens included in the optical lens assembly. The optical lens assembly is held fixedly in place against an inward periphery of the receptacle assembly such that a distance between the lens and the optoelectronic device can be adjusted to adjust the optical coupling efficiency.

Abstract: A new low-cost, highly reliable and compact optical power monitor is manufactured with simplified structure and improved configurations that require only lateral position adjustment for input/output beam alignment. A compact size is achieved by employing prefabricated housing containing a highly effective focus lens placed at fixed position relative to an optical sensor, e.g., a photodiode. The prefabricated housing further function as a seal housing for direct plugging into a holding tube fitting seamlessly to a GRIN lens to focus the tapped collimated beam to the photo sensor thus greatly simplify the manufacturing processes without alignment requirements. Thermal stability and reliable performance is achieved by applying multiple-layered optical reflection-transmission coating directly onto the end surface of a GRIN lens for tapping a small portion of the collimated beam onto the focus lens and the photo sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for the active alignment and coupling of separate optical components consisting of a light-emitting component and a light-receiving component. It comprises first alignment means having a relatively lower optical resolving power stage that is adapted to perform coarse alignment of the light-emitting component to locate an approximate location of its point of highest intensity, and second alignment means having a relatively higher optical resolving power stage that is adapted to perform fine alignment of the light-emitting component to locate a more precise location of the said point of highest intensity. Accordingly, coarse alignment may be performed using a multi-mode fiber and fine alignment may be performed using a single-mode fiber that may further be coupled to the light-emitting component.

Abstract: A light conductor coupling has a first and a second coupling part which coupling parts are couplable with one another and in each of which a light conducting element is held. At least one of the light conducting elements is elastically biased so that the two light conducting elements are pressed against one another with their end surfaces when the coupling parts are coupled with one another, to allow the transmission of light from one light conducting element to the other. The end surface of the one light conducting element is spherically concave and the end surface of the other light conducting element is formed spherically convex with the same radius of curvature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for aligning an optical fibre with an optical device in an opto-electronic package. The invention provides a device comprising a platform for mounting an optical device, to aid coupling of the optical device with an optical fibre in an opto-electronic package comprising a first part which is attachable to the opto-electronic package; a second part moveably attached to the first part such that the second part may only move with respect to the first part along a single axis, and in which the optical device is mountable on the second part. The invention also provides a method of aligning an optical fibre with an optical device in an opto-electronic package using such a platform.

Abstract: In a optical transmission device in which a surface-emitting laser and an optical fiber are coupled, a light emitting portion of the surface-emitting laser and an input end of the optical fiber are positioned with high precision. An optical-fiber supporting member is provided with an optical-fiber through hole in which an end portion of an optical fiber is inserted, and a photodiode. The through hole and the photodiode are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of two light emitting portions of a surface-emitting laser so that a center of the circular section of the through hole and the optical axis of the optical-transmission light emitting portion are off set by a predetermined amount when a center point of the photodiode and the optical axis of the reference-light emitting portion are aligned. The surface-emitting laser and the optical-fiber supporting member are coupled with the center point of the photodiode and the optical axis of the reference-light emitting portion aligned with each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding optical fibers are disclosed. A fiber bonding device feeds an optical fiber through a supportive sheath having a ceramic tip at its end. The optical fiber extends slightly beyond the ceramic tip and is aligned with the focal point of a laser, which causes the end of the optical fiber to melt, forming a molten region. The ceramic tip then extends partially into a substrate surface, causing the molten region of the optical fiber to become bonded to the substrate. The process is controlled by computer logic, such that it is an automated, precision process for bonding optical fibers.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser performs high-speed modulation with a low-capacitance structure. The laser comprises a multilayered growth layer which is electrically isolated from a substrate and includes an active layer between a lower semiconductor layer of first conductivity type and an upper semiconductor layer of second conductivity type. A ridge is formed on the surface of the multilayer without reaching the active layer, and an insulating film is formed on the substrate main surface except for the ridge upper surface. An electrode contacts the second conductivity type semiconductor layer on the ridge upper surface and extends onto the insulating film beyond a second isolation trench, and an electrode which deviates from above the ridge is formed on the insulating film on a first isolation trench side and contacts the first conductivity type semiconductor layer located below the active layer.

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.

Abstract: Locally heated low temperature solder glass is used to permanently fix an optical fiber with sub-micron precision to a glass ceramic submount inside a high power pump laser module. The fiber is manipulated into a predetermined alignment while the solder glass is still molten and the solder glass is then cooled to its solidified state. The predetermined alignment may include an offset to compensate for subsequent thermally related dimensional changes as the solder glass cools and solidifies. If necessary, the solder glass can be remelted and the fiber realigned with a different offset if the first alignment attempt is less than optimal. This alignment process has been demonstrated to provide reliable and efficient coupling of an optical fiber to a high power pump laser within very tight tolerances. A similar process can also be applied to other micro-optics assemblies where high precision, high reliability fiber fixing is required.

Abstract: An optical module package may include a body that, in one embodiment, may be made of metal. Ceramic inserts may be inserted into the metal body. The ceramic inserts may have a pair of shelves to facilitate electrical connection. In one embodiment, each shelf may include an upwardly directed contact surface and a downwardly directed contact surface. As a result, a more compact design may be formed in some embodiments which has desirable strength characteristics.

Abstract: A tube and a pair of optical frames are employed within an optical connector mount to optically couple two or more optical elements. The optical frames are used to mount the optical elements on the optical connector mount, and the tube is adjoined to the optical frames to allow and maintain the optical alignment of the optical elements. The adjoining of a tube to one of the optical frames involves either a seating and locking of a spherical segment of the tube within a tube seat of the optical frame, or a seating and locking of a spherical segment of the optical frame within a frame seat of the tube.

Abstract: The packaging system comprises a mechanical support, an insulating substrate and an electronic circuit. The mechanical support has a first support element that extends at a non-zero angle from a second support element. The insulating substrate has a first portion and a second portion in contact with the first support element and the second support element, respectively. The first portion is contoured to define at least one access hole. The optical communications device and the electronic circuit are mechanically coupled to the first support element. Either or both the optical communications device and the electronic circuit is mechanically coupled to the first support element through a respective one of the at least one access hole. The packaging device additionally comprises a conductive track extending between the electronic circuit and the optical communications device on the first portion of the insulating substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a connector element that comprises a connector body and a fiber optic ferrule slidably positioned inside the connector body. The ferrule holds at least one optical fiber. The connector element carries an optical sub-assembly including a photonic device and a spacer and includes a connector sleeve for receiving the connector element. The sleeve includes a ridge that operates as a first stop for the connector body and includes an alignment projection that coarsely aligns the fiber optic ferrule. The ferrule includes a pair of openings configured to receive a pair of alignment pins to provide fine alignment of optical fibers with corresponding photonic devices. The connector element is engaged with the connector sleeve to position the ferrule with respect to the optical sub-assembly such that the optical fiber is correctly positioned relative to a corresponding photonic device.

Abstract: A compactly constructed configuration for coupling radiation into an optical fiber in a highly effective manner has a semiconductor laser with a radiation exit window, and an optical fiber having a radiation entry end. The radiation exit window of the semiconductor laser faces the radiation entry end of the optical fiber. A resonator is provided and has an end mirror and an output mirror, between which the semiconductor laser is disposed. The output mirror of the resonator is formed by the optical fiber. An optical device is disposed between the semiconductor laser and the optical fiber and serves for imaging only the fundamental mode of the radiation of the semiconductor laser onto the radiation entry end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A redundant configurable VCSEL laser array optical light source which provides for integrating optical communications capabilities into manufacturing processes for a substrate or submount such as a silicon or ceramic substrate, a multi-chip module, a package board, backplane or similar component. Multiple, spatially proximate lasers and photodetectors are provided as part of an optical transmitter or receiver module to simplify assembly of the module, particularly alignment of a laser or photodetector to an optical fiber or waveguide. A feedback loop and control logic select those laser(s) or photodiodes(s) which are most strongly coupled to the transmission medium to produce the best signals. This approach greatly simplifies optical alignment, to improve yield and relax mechanical tolerances, leading to lower assembly costs and higher manufacturing yields.

Abstract: A light-sensitive detector (1) according to the present invention is constituted by an array (11) of photodetectors, a package (13) on which the array (11) of photodetectors is mounted, and a light-transmissible window (12) for making detection light incident on light-receiving surfaces of the photodetectors. The package (13) is provided with an aperture (14) which is formed in a position adjacent to the photodetectors so that light rays substantially parallel to the detection light can pass through the aperture (14).

Abstract: The polarization extinction ratio (PER) for a polarizing maintaining fiber is kept at an acceptable level by attaching the fiber to a ferrule which is in turn attached to a flexure for precision alignment in an optical package. The ferrule may be attached to the top of the flexure or to the underside of the flexure if height space is a consideration. The ferrule aids in maintaining the optical properties of the fiber which may otherwise be unacceptably altered if the ferrule were not present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a staircase arrangement for the connection of optical waveguides between a card and backplane. A card having optical waveguides and electrical conductors embedded in the card has an edge ending in a staircase arrangement with optical fiber-ribbons protruding from the edge. A guidance structure is connected to the edge and contains channels to guide and align the optical fiber-ribbons. A backplane having embedded optical waveguides and electrical conductors also has an edge ending in a staircase arrangement with a guidance stricture connected to the edge and tapered openings which receive and guide the optical fiber-ribbons into close proximity with the optical waveguides and forming a staircase arrangement of connected waveguides between a card and backplane.

Abstract: A face alignment device of the present invention comprises two units that are each provided with: a convex semi-spherical block having a contact surface that makes contact with a clamp member for securing an object and a convex semi-spherical surface on the opposite side of the contact surface; and a base block having a concave portion corresponding to the semi-spherical surface of the convex semi-spherical block for rotatably holding the convex semi-spherical block, wherein the two units are arranged such that their contact surfaces face each other. The clamp member is attached to the contact surfaces of the respective units at eccentric positions from the center axes of the convex semi-spherical blocks. This is advantageous since a load required for rotational sliding between each of the semi-spherical surfaces of the convex semi-spherical blocks and each of the concave portions of the base blocks can be small.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing technique for optical fiber arrays employs optical feedback in a partially assembled unit using an inspection camera. This allows immediate reworking of a problematic part. In the present invention, a video microscope is used to check the alignment of the optical fiber array during the manufacturing process. After the optical fiber array has been glued or otherwise affixed, then an optical device may be used to measure the performance of the glued assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device comprising an emitting source and a partly-reflective element which is adapted for receiving an emitted light beam. This element is tilted in a small angle with respect to the emitted light beam. A portion of the emitted light beam is reflected by the partly-reflective element towards a transmittive element which is arranged in close proximity to the emitting source and adapted to receive and transmit the reflect portion. The transmittive element is arranged for at least partly fixing or positioning an optical fiber, which is emitting the input light beam, and provided for transmitting the laterally offset reflected portion of the input light beam away from the input fiber.

Abstract: A fiber-pigtailed assembly for an optical detector with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity has a detector surface mounted adjacent a beveled end of a fiber pigtail such that the detector surface is tilted and rotated with respect to the beveled end of the fiber pigtail. Also an external optical fiber may be coupled to the fiber pigtail with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity by having an input ferrule at the end of the external optical fiber, the end being beveled; by having an intermediate ferrule at a coupling end of the fiber pigtail, the coupling end being beveled while the other end of the ferrule is beveled by the same amount but approximately orthogonal to the coupling end; and by having an output ferrule on the fiber pigtail adjacent to the intermediate ferrule, the end of the output ferrule adjacent to the intermediate ferrule being beveled.