Two-Dimensional Fiber Positioning and Clamping Device for Product-Internal Microassembly

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper, we present a microelectromechanical systems-based two-degrees-of-freedom positioning device combined with a clamping structure for positioning and constraining an optical fiber. The fiber position can be controlled in the two directions perpendicular to the fiber axis using two specifically designed wedges that can be accurately moved in-plane. These wedges are positioned using in-plane thermal actuators. Actuation of a fiber tip greater than 25 µm in-plane and 40 µm out-of-plane is achieved with a displacement resolution better than 0.1 µm. After aligning the fiber the final position can be maintained by switching off the mechanical clamp, which also uses thermal actuators. The position of the fiber can be kept within 0.1 µm after switching off the mechanical clamp and the positioning actuator. Fiber-to-fiber alignment experiments have been performed and the technique can be extended to fiber-to-laser alignment.[

Contactless Optical Packaging Concept for Laser to Fiber Coupling

“…The integration of a movable micro-mirror inside the package has also received some attention [25]- [27]. Similarly, MEMS (micro-electromechanical-systems) based fiber positioning devices have also been demonstrated [28], [29]. While this certainly relaxes alignment tolerances required during assembly, it requires additional onboard electronics to dynamically control the actuation.…”

A Concept for Accurate Edge-Coupled Multi-Fiber Photonic Interconnects

“…By measuring the transmitted optical power while moving the fiber using a high precision actuator, the required alignment accuracy can be met. The current applied techniques are however time-consuming, expensive, not easily automated and often not applicable for multi-fiber interconnect due to a large footprint [3], [4]. In this paper an alignment and assembly approach is proposed which addresses these issues.…”

Suspended photonic waveguide arrays for submicrometer alignment

“…For example, active alignment and clamping of an optical fibre is achieved using microelectromechanical actuators. 2 Passive alignment with submicrometer accuracy is reported using two photonic chips on a silicon optical bench. 3 Furthermore, alignment of multi-channel configurations is studied utilizing a micromechanical connector, 4 a grating coupler array, 5 laser adjustment 6 and spot size converters (SSCs).…”