Patent ID: 6480651
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method of aligning optical components comprising the steps of:mounting a first optical component having an input port and an output port to a first support; mounting a second optical component having an input port and an output port to a second support such that the output port of the first optical component is substantially aligned with the input port of the second optical component; launching a reference beam of light into the input port of the first optical component such that it at least partially emerges from the output port of the second optical component to provide a reference signal indicative of an optical coupling efficiency between the output port of the first optical component and the input port of the second optical component; providing relative movement between the first and second supports while monitoring resulting changes of the reference signal; providing a control signal indicative of the resulting changes of the reference signal; and providing further relative movement between the first and second supports in dependence upon the control signal such that a virtual pivot point for movement of one of the first and second components thereabout is formed, the virtual pivot point formed substantially at one of the output port of the first optical component and the input port of the second optical component.