Optical microstructure and method of manufacture

Abstract

An article and method including an optical fiber coupled to a microstructure which is easily manufactured. The microstructure is comprised of a plurality of layers including a receptacle layer and a movable layer. The optical fiber has a high reflectivity terminal end forming the non-movable layer. The receptacle layer has an opening aligned with the movable layer for receiving the terminal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is inserted into the opening and the receptacle layer and fixed in relation to the microstructure, so as to form cavity between the terminal end of the fiber and the movable layer of the microstructure. The movable layer is physically adapted for moving relative to the non-movable layer under the influence of an actuating force. Additionally a method of manufacture of forming a microstructure comprising a receptacle layer having an opening therein and a movable layer, inserting a terminal end of an optical fiber into the opening, and affixing the optic fiber to the microstructure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.