Patent ID: 6404955
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method for actively aligning components of an arrayed optical fiber collimator, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a first fixture for receiving and retaining an optical fiber array block, the optical fiber array block receiving and retaining a plurality of individual optical fibers; (b) providing a second fixture for receiving and retaining a microlens array substrate, the microlens array substrate including a plurality of microlenses integrated along a microlens surface and a substrate surface opposite the microlens surface; (c) providing a third fixture for receiving and retaining at least a portion of a first light receiver, wherein the first light receiver is positioned to receive a light beam from at least one of the integrated microlenses; (d) providing at least one light beam from a light source to at least one of the plurality of individual optical fibers; (e) adjusting the position of at least one of the microlens array substrate and the optical fiber array block in relation to each other to maximize the optical power of the light beam received by the first light receiver; and (f) fixing the optical fiber array block to the microlens array substrate when the optical power provided by the integrated microlens is at a maximum, wherein a finished arrayed optical fiber collimator is provided.