Patent ID: 6404960
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A self-aligned optical coupler for optically connecting devices, comprising:a flexible waveguide ribbon having first and second ports, comprising: a strip of a flexible substrate; a first layer having a first refractive index, formed on said strip; at least one waveguide having a second refractive index, formed on a first portion of said first layer; and a second layer having the first refractive index, formed on said at least one waveguide and second portion of said first layer; a first alignment structure formed by an etching process into the flexible waveguide ribbon proximate to the first port of said waveguide ribbon, for providing alignment in at least two dimensions relative to a first optical device on a support mechanism; a second alignment structure formed on the support mechanism, for mating with the first alignment structure and providing aligmnent between the first port and the first optical device; and an adhesive formed on the waveguide ribbon and the support mechanism proximate to the first port and the first optical device to secure the alignment and connection between the first port and first optical device.