Patent ID: 6633708
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method of aligning a two dimensional fiber array of light carrying fibers comprising the following steps:providing a pair of apertured plates having an array of apertures which have common axes with the axes being parallel to one another; for at least one aperture plate, providing positioning members for each aperture; inserting a plurality of fibers through said apertures of both plates so that prepared fiber ends are substantially co-planar with the face of a proximal plate; positioning said proximal plate in juxtaposition with a fixed photodetector array where each photodetector corresponds to a respective fiber end; for each fiber, successively actuating a distal end with a light source; actuating said positioning members to move said fiber; for the corresponding photodetector, sensing a maximum light output including a closed loop feedback system; when a maximum is sensed, permanently fixing in place in said aperture said fiber in at least said proximal plate whereby said fiber end is centered on said photodetector.