Patent ID: 6757063
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A method for aligning a lens and an opto-electronic device for assembly into a discrete package, said method comprising:producing a light beam of a selected shape and wavelength and directing it along a selected path to an imaging device, whereby a first spot image of said light beam is formed on said imaging device; recording said first spot image produced on said imaging device; determining the coordinates of the center of said first spot image; positioning a lens so that (a) it intersects the axis of said beam and (b) its center axis extends substantially parallel to the axis of said beam, whereby said beam passes through and is modified by said lens and a second spot image of said modified light beam is formed on said imaging device; recording said second spot image produced on said imaging device; determining the coordinates of the center of said second spot image; while said light source is energized, moving said lens laterally of said beam until the center of said second spot image coincides with the center of said first spot image; positioning a selected opto-electronic device with an optical axis between said lens and said imaging device so that (a) it is adjacent to said lens, (b) it intersects the center axis of said beam and (c) its optical axis extends substantially parallel to the axis of said beam; while said light source is de-energized, producing an image of a said opto-electronic device on said imaging device; recording said image of said opto-electronic device; comparing said image of said opto-electronic device with a pre-recorded geometrical pattern and determining from said comparison the X and Y coordinates of the optical axis of said opto-electronic device; and moving said opto-electronic device until the X and Y coordinates of its said optical axis coincide with the recorded coordinates of said second spot image.