Optical bench with alignment subassembly
AssigneeShipley Company, L.L.C.
InventorsDan A. Steinberg, Mindaugas F. Dautartas, Hui Luo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical subassembly which positions an optical device is described. The optical device is mounted on a plurality of spheres or columns placed in predetermined positions in an upper surface of a substrate. The predetermined positions include pits formed in the upper surface of the substrate. The spheres may be the same size or may be of varying sizes. Pits or grooves also may be formed in the optical device. The optical device may be formed with flexure positions to assist in holding it in place on the spheres. Further, the optical device, spheres and substrate may be metallized or formed of metal and the surface tension forces of solder may be utilized to position the optical device.
Claims41
An optical subassembly, comprising:
- an optical device having a planar surface;
- a substrate having an upper surface and a plurality of pits;
- and
- a positioning mechanism disposed in each said pit, wherein said optical device contacts said positioning mechanisms and is positioned on said substrate such that said planar surface is tilted relative to said upper surface.
An optical subassembly, comprising:
- an optical device having at least one cut-out portion;
- a substrate having an upper surface and a plurality of pits;
- and
- a positioning mechanism disposed in each said pit, wherein said positioning mechanisms contact said at least one cut-out portion.
An optical subassembly, comprising:
- a substrate having an upper surface and a plurality of pits;
- an optical device having a pair of opposing long surfaces and a pair of opposing edge surfaces;
- a lateral adjustment mechanism for laterally positioning said optical device on said substrate, wherein one or more edges of said optical device are at transverse angles with an optical axis of said optical device, said one or more edges abutting said lateral adjustment mechanism;
- and
- a plurality of spheres each being disposed within a respective said pit, wherein said optical device is positioned on said spheres.
A method for positioning an optical device on an upper surface of a substrate, said method comprising:
- mounting a plurality of positioning mechanisms in predetermined locations on said substrate;
- mounting an optical device having a planar surface on said positioning mechanisms wherein said planar surface is tilted relative to said upper surface;
- and
- anchoring the optical device.
A method for positioning an optical device on an upper surface of a substrate, said method comprising:
- mounting a plurality of positioning mechanisms in predetermined locations on said substrate;
- forming at least one cut-out portion on an optical device;
- mounting said optical device on said substrate such that said at least one cutout portion contacts at least one said positioning mechanisms;
- and
- anchoring the optical device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.