Alignment method for optical waveguide element

An optical waveguide alignment method comprising:

• covering each of end portions of at least two optical waveguide elements and at least one spatial optical element with a bonding material in a semi-solid state, the at least one spatial optical element being disposed between incidence and emission end faces of the end portions of the at least two optical waveguide elements;
• causing light for alignment to be incident on at least one of the at least two optical waveguide elements so that light enters a portion of the bonding material between the at least two optical waveguide elements;
• and
• changing the bonding material into a solid state after the at least one spatial optical element moves onto an optical path between the incidence and emission end faces of the at least two optical waveguide elements due to radiation pressure of light acting on the at least one spatial optical element,
• wherein the at least two optical waveguide elements are optically connected via the bonding material and the at least one spatial optical element, and each of the at least two optical waveguide elements and the at least one spatial optical element are mechanically connected by the bonding material.