Patent ID: 6069991
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A self-aligned optical coupler system comprising:a first optical waveguide circuit having a first end and having at least one optical waveguide;a second optical waveguide circuit having a first end and having at least one optical waveguide;a first plug mechanism, having a first alignment structure, formed on the first end of the first optical waveguide circuit;a second plug mechanism, having a second alignment structure, formed on the first end of the second optical waveguide circuit;a receptacle mechanism, having a first end with a third alignment structure and a second end with a fourth alignment structure, and having at least one optical waveguide; andwherein:said first plug mechanism can be attached to the first end of said receptacle mechanism such that the first and third alignment structures mate in such a fashion so as to cause the at least one waveguides of the first plug mechanism and the receptacle mechanism to be aligned with each other at the first end of the receptacle mechanism; andsaid second plug mechanism can be attached to the second end of said receptacle mechanism such that the second and fourth alignment structures mate in such a fashion so as to cause the at least one waveguides of the second plug mechanism and the receptacle mechanism to be aligned with each other at the second end of the receptacle mechanism.