CLASP (Capture and Locking alignment Spring Positioner): A micromachined fiber auto-positioning device
This work provides a method of mechanical alignment of an array of single mode fibers to an array of optical devices. The technique uses a micromachined metal spring, which captures a vertical, pre- positioned fiber, moves it into accurate alignment, and holds it for attachment. The spring is fabricated from electroplated mickel, using photodefined polyimide as a plating mask. The nickel is plated about 80 {mu}m thick, so that a large fiber depth is captured. In one application, the nickel springs can be aligned to optics on the back side of the substrate. This entire concept is referred to as CLASP (Capture and Locking Alignment Spring Positioner). These springs can be used for general alignment and capture of any fiber to any optical input or output device. Passive alignment of fiber arrays to {plus}/{minus} 2{mu}m accuracy has been demonstrated, with a clear path to improved accuracy.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 230593
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-96-0394C; CONF-960268-7; ON: DE96006475
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) smart structures and materials conference, San Diego, CA (United States), 26-29 Feb 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Antares alignment gimbal positioner
SDSS-V Algorithms: Fast, Collision-free Trajectory Planning for Heavily Overlapping Robotic Fiber Positioners