Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-11
2001-05-08
Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
C385S090000, C385S093000, C385S094000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227724
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to optoelectronic assemblies having optical components and methods for making the same; more particularly, the present invention relates to an assembly having optical components mounted on a quasi-planar substrate and a flexure and methods for making the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sealed packages are necessary to contain, protect, couple to optical fibers and electrically connect optoelectronic components. Optoelectronics packaging is one of the most difficult and costly operations in optoelectronics manufacturing. Optoelectronic packages provide submicron alignment between optical elements, high-speed electrical connections, excellent heat dissipation, and high-reliability. Providing such features has resulted in optoelectronic packages that are an order of magnitude larger, costlier and difficult to manufacture than electronic packages, particularly for fiber coupled devices. In addition, current designs of optoelectronic packages and associated fabrication processes are ill adapted for automation because today's high-performance butterfly packages are characterized by a large multiplicity of mechanical parts (submounts, brackets, ferrules . . .), three-dimensional (3D) alignment requirements, and poor mechanical accessibility.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,006 by Kovatz discloses a package for an edge-coupled optoelectronic device. The package includes a cover with a window, so that optoelectronic device, such as, for example, a laser, may be coupled to external optics, such as a lens or an optical fiber. Although this package provides hermeticity and high-speed electrical connections, it does not provide for a way to mount and align collimation or coupling optics nor optical fibers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,178 by Kluitmans and Tjassens and U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,646 by Shigeno also disclose packages for optical and optoelectronic components. Kluitmans et al. discuss a package for a laser diode coupled to an optical fiber. The package includes a conducting rod so that the laser may be used at high speed. Shigeno describes a heat sink for cooling an enclosed laser diode, where the laser diode is preferably coupled to an optical fiber. However, in both of the above patents, it is difficult to align the laser diode with the optical fiber when constructing the package. Both designs use numerous parts in complex 3D arrangements and are unsuitable for automated assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,196 by Farmer discloses a package including a heat sink for a semiconductor laser, but provides no efficient means for coupling the laser to other optics.
Embodiments of the present invention overcome the limitations in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method for producing an optoelectronic package is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substrate having a first optical element attached thereto. The method also includes applying pressure to a flexure so that an optical axis of an optical fiber is in optical alignment with the optical element. The flexure is then coupled with the optical fiber to the substrate by attaching legs of the flexure to the substrate.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Bovernick Rodney
LightLogic, Inc.
Stahl Michael J.
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