Method of attaching optical fibers to integrated optic chips that excludes all adhesive from the optical path

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for attaching an optical fiber to a waveguide formed on a planar lightguide circuit (PLC). The method begins by securing at least one joint element to a first surface of the PLC. The joint element has a beveled surface such that a gap is formed between the joint element and the first surface of the PLC. The gap is adjacent to an end face of the waveguide. The waveguide end face extends in a plane that includes a transverse surface of the joint element to define therewith a first mating surface. The optical fiber is secured to a support member such that an end face of the optical fiber extends in a plane that includes a transverse surface of the support member to define a second mating surface therewith. The waveguide end face is aligned with the optical fiber end face. An adhesive is applied to an interface defined between the first and second mating surfaces so that the first and second mating surfaces are fixed together, whereby adhesive that would otherwise enter an optical path located between the waveguide end face and the optical fiber end face is diverted into the gap.