Method for aligning a plurality of optical fibers in a parallel array
OwnerNicholas A. Lee, Harry A. Loder +1inventors
InventorsNicholas A. Lee, Harry A. Loder, Larry R. Cox
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Abstract
A method for aligning a plurality of optical fibers in a parallel array. The method includes the step of providing a base having a plurality of fiber receiving features. A plurality of optical fibers are placed onto the base in gross alignment with respective fiber receiving features. A retaining element is provided having a compliant contact surface configured to mate to at least a portion of each of the optical fibers. The contact surface is pressed onto the optical fibers, wherein the compliant contact surface deforms about the optical fibers and applies pressure on all the optical fibers. Each fiber is then seated into the fiber receiving features in a desired alignment.
Claims13
A method for aligning a plurality of optical fibers in a parallel array, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a base having a plurality of fiber receiving features
- b) placing a plurality of optical fibers onto the base in gross alignment with respective fiber receiving features;
- c) providing a retaining element having a compliant contact surface configured to mate to at least a portion of each of the optical fibers;
- d) pressing the contact surface onto the optical fibers, wherein the compliant contact surface deforms about the optical fibers and applies pressure on all the optical fibers;
- and
- e) seating each fiber into the fiber receiving features in a desired alignment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.