Patent ID: 6970623

Claim:
A method for characterizing an optical component adapted for transverse optical coupling, comprising the steps of: positioning a fiber-optic-taper loop probe near the optical component so as to enable transverse-transfer of optical power between the loop probe and the optical component, wherein the loop probe comprises an optical fiber having a first fiber segment, a first tapering segment, a center taper segment, a second tapering segment, and a second fiber segment, the optical fiber being formed into a loop with the center taper segment positioned on the loop substantially opposite a crossing point of the loop, and at least one support member secured to the optical fiber at the first fiber segment, the first tapering segment, the second tapering segment, or the second fiber segment, wherein the support member serves to maintain the optical fiber in the loop and enables positioning of the loop probe relative to the optical component for transverse-coupling thereto; applying an input signal to the optical component, the input signal including i) an optical input signal launched into the optical fiber and transmitted through the loop probe to the optical component, or ii) an electronic input signal applied to the optical component; and detecting and analyzing an output signal, the output signal including i) an optical output signal transmitted through the optical fiber from the loop probe, or ii) an electronic output signal from the optical component.