Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-01
2003-12-30
Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
C385S081000, C385S136000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06669379
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the field of optical modules, and more particularly, a method for fabricating an optical module by fixedly attaching an optical fiber to a platform such that the input aperture of the optical fiber remains in alignment with a light output of a light source (e.g., a laser diode) after attachment.
2) Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1
shows an exemplary optical module
100
. The optical module
100
is a so-called “butterfly module,” so named because it has a plurality of electrical leads
105
(e.g., seven) extending from first and second sides
102
,
104
on opposite sides of the optical module
100
, and an output optical fiber
110
extending from a third side
106
generally perpendicular to the first and second sides
102
,
104
. The optical module
100
also includes platform
120
on which is mounted a light source (e.g., a laser diode
130
) which outputs and supplies light to an input aperture
112
of the optical fiber
110
.
A critical characteristic of the optical module
100
is the alignment of the light output of the laser diode
130
and the input aperture
112
of the optical fiber
110
. Especially in the case of a single mode fiber, it is critically important that the light output of the laser diode
130
be precisely aligned with the input aperture
112
of the optical fiber
110
. However, in the prior art, after the laser diode
130
and the optical fiber
110
are precisely aligned, they are subject to significant misalignment during the process of attaching the optical fiber
110
(and/or the laser diode
130
) to the platform
120
of the optical module
110
.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improved method of fabricating an optical module. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide such a method including an improved method of fixedly attaching an optical fiber to a platform of the optical module such that the optical fiber and a light source remain precisely aligned even after they are both attached to the platform. Other and further objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a method for fabricating an optical module, including a method of fixedly attaching an optical fiber to a platform of the optical module such that the input aperture of the optical fiber remains in alignment with a light output of a light source (e.g., a laser diode) after attachment.
In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for fabricating an optical module including a laser diode producing light, an optical fiber having an input aperture aligned to receive the light, a ferrule fit around an exterior of the optical fiber, and a platform. A weld clip is provided having a pair of vertical walls each connected to a corresponding base wall formed at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the corresponding vertical wall. The weld clip is inserted over the ferrule so that there is no gap between the ferrule and the vertical walls of the weld clip. The optical fiber is initially aligned to the laser diode to substantially optimize (e.g., to substantially maximize) coupling of light into the input aperture of the optical fiber. Next, the weld clip is fixedly attached to the platform via the base walls, creating a gap between the optical fiber and the vertical walls of the weld clip. Subsequently, the optical fiber is realigned to the laser diode to substantially optimize coupling of light into the input aperture of the optical fiber. Finally, the weld clip is fixedly attached to the ferrule.
In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for fabricating an optical module including a light source producing light, an optical fiber having an input aperture aligned to receive the light, a ferrule fit around an exterior of the optical fiber, and a platform. The method comprises inserting a weld clip over the ferrule so that there is no gap between the ferrule and the weld clip, initially aligning the optical fiber to the light source to substantially optimize coupling of light into the input aperture, attaching the weld clip to the platform, realigning the optical fiber to the light source to substantially optimize coupling of light into the input aperture; and attaching the weld clip to the ferrule.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4479698 (1984-10-01), Landis et al.
patent: 5177807 (1993-01-01), Avelange et al.
patent: 5210811 (1993-05-01), Avelange et al.
patent: 5631989 (1997-05-01), Koren et al.
patent: 6516130 (2003-02-01), Jang
patent: 6565266 (2003-05-01), Mun et al.
Janosik Zbigniew
Roff Robert Wallace
Duane Morris LLP
Lee John D.
Lin Tina M
Princeton Lightwave Inc.
LandOfFree
Method of attaching optical fiber in alignment with a light... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of attaching optical fiber in alignment with a light..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of attaching optical fiber in alignment with a light... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3149915