Apparatus for aligning multiple fibers

A method for aligning multiple fibers, comprising:

• forming a fiber bundle that includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a pattern that corresponds to a pattern associated with a multi-core fiber;
• constraining the plurality of optical fibers in a first axis and a second axis using a multi-fiber alignment tool, wherein the multi-fiber alignment tool comprises:
• a plurality of tensioned elements to provide a deformable support framework to simultaneously position the plurality of optical fibers such that the plurality of optical fibers is elastically constrained in the first axis and the second axis;
• and
• a plurality of micro-jaw structures passing through a lattice structure that includes the plurality of tensioned elements;
• adjusting the multi-fiber alignment tool to align each individual optical fiber, of the plurality of optical fibers, with a respective core of the multi-core fiber;
• and
• splicing each individual optical fiber, of the plurality of optical fibers, with a respective core of the multi-core fiber that is aligned with the individual optical fiber.

A multi-fiber alignment system, comprising:

• a plurality of tensioned elements to provide a deformable support framework to simultaneously position a plurality of optical fibers such that the plurality of optical fibers is elastically constrained in a first axis and a second axis;
• a plurality of micro-jaw structures passing through a lattice structure,
• wherein each micro-jaw structure, of the plurality of micro-jaw structures, is adjustable to shift one or more positions of one or more optical fibers included among the plurality of optical fibers relative to one or more cores of a multi-core optical fiber;
• and
• a ring-like structure for tensioning the plurality of tensioned elements inside an opening of the ring-like structure and for positioning the plurality of tensioned elements in a plane of the plurality of micro-jaw structures.