Patent ID: 6457873
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A positioning device for automatically positioning and securing at least one optical fiber inserted into said positioning device along a predetermined optical axis;said positioning device comprising a base member having a flat upper surface and a V-shaped receiving channel which is parallel to the upper surface and is formed in the upper surface to accommodate at least one optical fiber; said positioning device having a separate spring-action retaining member which is arranged on the upper surface of the base member for securing the minimum of one optical fiber inserted into the receiving channel; wherein the retaining member comprises a membrane which is arranged above the receiving channel parallel to the upper surface of the base member and is elastically deflectable perpendicular to the upper surface of the base member; said retaining member being designed as a solid plate of a monocrystalline material, and said membrane is produced in said retaining member by micromechanical processing; said membrane being deflected upon insertion of at least one optical fiber into the receiving channel; said membrane having a restoring force as a result of being deflected; securing at least one optical fiber in the receiving channel with the restoring force.