Method and apparatus for packaging optical components

An optical package that contains at least a first part of an optical system, the optical package comprising:

• a container having a first and a second end;
• a rail that fits within the container;
• a plurality of optical components mounted on a plurality of optical mounts, the optical components collectively defining the first part of the optical system, wherein each mount is physically adapted to fit within the container and slidingly engage the rail, and wherein, when engaged, the optical mounts and the rail are in a first position within the container;
• at least a first optical fiber terminating near the first end of the container, which optical fiber is in optical communication with the optical system within the container along an optical axis;
• and
• a device that prevents the rail and the engaged optical mounts from rotating from the first position within the container.

A method for packaging optical systems utilizing mounted optical components, each of which mounted optical components includes an optical mount with at least one optical component disposed thereon, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a container having an open end, and a rail that fits within the container for receiving the mounted optical components;
• (b) engaging one or more mounted optical components with the rail in a first position by positioning the one or more mounted components so that a first slot of a plurality of slots located in the optical mount is received by the rail as the one or more mounted components are placed within the container;
• and
• (c) closing the open end of the container.

A method for prototyping, testing, manufacturing or packaging an optical system at a first location utilizing mounted optical components, each of which mounted optical components includes an optical mount with at least one optical component disposed thereon, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a container having a body portion, and a rail that fits within the body portion of the container for receiving the mounted optical components;
• (b) engaging one or more mounted optical components with the rail in a first position by positioning the one or more mounted components so that a first slot of a plurality of slots located in the optical mount is received by the rail as the one or more mounted components are placed within the container;
• and
• (c) checking the performance of the one or more engaged optical components.