Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Thomas D Williams

Dale C Flanders

Peter S Whitney

Richard Dee

Robert K Jenner

An automated system and method for location and insertion of a fiber optic end in the ferrule of a hybrid package provides for efficient and accurate alignment. In one embodiment, the fiber is mounted on a fiber chuck that is presented to the package by a micropositioner having four degrees of freedom. These include the three orthogonal cardinal axes (x, y, and z-axes), and a fourth degree of freedom comprising angular rotation &thgr; about the z-axis. Feedback mechanisms may be provided regarding orthogonal and angular positioning in order to optimize coupling efficiency between the fiber optic and the electronic circuit contained in the package. In another embodiment, the fiber chuck includes a longitudinal groove for seating the fiber optic during an alignment procedure. The groove interfaces with a vacuum manifold that serves to secure the optical fiber to the chuck during alignment.

System and method for installation and alignment of optical fiber

A mechanical interface between a manipulation system and an optical component in which manipulation system jaws are adapted to engage an optical component at a handle and then deform the component. In some applications, an optical component is translationally or rotationally deformed. In one example, the jaws are moved towards each other in an opposed fashion such that teeth engage the optical component at the handle. Then, the jaws are collectively actuated so that they are moved in substantially the same direction. This results, typically, in the deformation of the optical component so that the optical element held by the optical mounting structure is moved into an improved alignment position. In another example, a V-shaped slot in one of the jaws is used to grasp the optical element, e.g., fiber, to move the element.

Growing community of inventors

Waltham, MA, United States of America

Thomas D Williams