Accession Number:

ADD014997

Title:

Edge-Emitting Diode-to-Optical Fiber Coupling Technique.

Descriptive Note:

Patent, filed 13 Apr 90, patented 16 Apr 91,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Albares, Donald J.

Report Date:

1991-04-16

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

An aligned and spaced-apart end-on optical coupling is provided between the end of a single mode optical fiber and the emitting aperture of an edge-emitting diode mounted on a heat sink secured to a base. A V-shaped grooved semiconductor chip is mounted on the base a distance from the edge-emitting diode and a UV curable optical cement is applied in the V-shaped groove and on a lateral surface of the optical fiber. If desired, a coarse alignment can be effected at this stage to position the fiber. The optical fiber is place in the V-shaped groove to present an overhanging portion so that the UV curable optical cement contacts an end support secured to the edge-emitting diode. The optical fiber is displaced to a position of a desired optical alignment and predetermined separation between end of the optical fiber and the emitting aperture by a hypodermic needle-sized vacuum chuck coupled to the overhanging portion of the optical fiber. A micromanipulator displaces the chuck to effect the desired optical alignment and separation and UV energy is radiated on the UV curable optical cement in the V-shaped groove and on the lateral surface of the optical fiber where it comes in contact with the bearing surface of the end support to secure the fiber in its aligned and spaced-apart relationship.

Descriptors:

• ALIGNMENT
• CEMENTS
• CURING
• ENERGY
• FIBER OPTICS
• HEAT SINKS
• MOUNTS
• OPTICAL PROPERTIES
• POSITION(LOCATION)
• SURFACES
• ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Subject Categories:

• Optics
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE