The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 02, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 12, 2002
Nikolai Alexeev, Longmont, CO (US);
Bernard P. Masterson, Louisville, CO (US);
Nikolai Alexeev, Longmont, CO (US);
Bernard P. Masterson, Louisville, CO (US);
Melles Griot, Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US);
Abstract
An inexpensive, robust, and adhesive-free method and apparatus is disclosed for efficiently coupling first and second optical components together utilizing a flexure assembly for fine alignment. An initial three-dimensional rough alignment process positions the first and second optical components proximate to each other and aligns them in three dimensions. The first and second components are then misaligned by a fixed amount, causing a defocus, and then securely fastened together. The fine alignment process uses standard machine screws, or other easily attainable, robust tensioning means to progressively increase the tension around the periphery of the flexure assembly, which causes the flexure to bend and the second optical component to translate along the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly, which re-focuses and three-dimensionally finely aligns the optical components for optimum coupling efficiency in a simple and secure manner.