Patent ID: 6690875
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
Array apparatus comprising:a primary substrate having sufficient structure to support an array of N spaced-apart elements and defining a plurality of N apertures which each extend therethrough from a first surface to a second opposing surface of the primary substrate with a cross-section of each of the N apertures being greater than a cross-section of an optical fiber and having a center that is aligned to a preselected tolerance value which is required for the array of elements; a smallest cross-section of each of the apertures being such that when the plurality of elements are inserted through their primary substrate apertures, which apertures have limited cross-section variations, so as to facilitate spacings between adjacent elements that are within the preselected tolerance value; and a plurality of N elements, each of the elements passes through one of the N apertures in the primary substrate and rests against the same one of a group consisting of a predetermined point and a predetermined side of its associated aperture such that the plurality of N elements are aligned within the preselected tolerance value.