Patent ID: 6510262
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical coupling system comprising:a lens array of optical lenses; a one-piece, separation-setting member for defining precise spatial relationships from said lens array to both an array of light sources and a fiber connector having an array of optical fibers, said separation-setting member having an exterior connector-contacting surface configured to locate and align said optical fibers along a target plane when said fiber connector is seated against said separation-setting member, said separation-setting member further having an interior region with a shoulder against which said lens array is seated, said lens array being parallel to said target plane and being exposed to said target plane through an opening, said separation-setting member having a back surface on a side opposite to said connector-contacting surface, said back surface being a precisely controlled distance from said shoulder; and a substrate supporting said array of light sources, said back surface of said separation-setting member abutting said substrate such that said array of light sources is a controlled distance from said lens array.