Patent ID: 11914168
Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
Field: Optics (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  F | IPC G

Claim 0:
1. A method for assembling a two-dimensional fiber array launcher assembly, said method comprising:
providing a plurality of fiber assemblies each including a fiber having an end face spliced to an end of an endcap where the endcap has a larger diameter than the fiber;
providing an alignment structure including a hollow body having a front end and a rear end;
providing an alignment plate including a two-dimensional array of holes;
providing a beam shaper including a two-dimensional array of lenses where a separate lens is provided for each hole in the alignment plate;
mounting the alignment plate in the rear end of the alignment structure;
mounting the beam shaper to the front end of the alignment structure so that one of the lenses is generally aligned with each hole in the alignment plate;
positioning one of the endcaps in one of the holes in the alignment plate;
propagating a beam down the fiber that expands through the endcap and the hollow body to be collimated by the respective lens in the beam shaper and be received by a beam diagnostics device;
adjusting the position of the endcap in the hole until the beam is aligned with the lens to a desired tolerance;
placing glue in the hole to secure the endcap to the alignment plate in the aligned position; and
repeating the steps of positioning one of the endcaps in one of the holes, propagating a beam down the fiber, adjusting the position of the endcap in the hole and placing glue in the hole for each hole in the alignment plate.