Systems and methods for aligning a laser beam with an optical fiber

A system for aligning a laser beam in free space with an end of an optical fiber which comprises:

• optics for directing said laser beam in free space toward said end of said optical fiber;
• at least three coplanar light receptors for generating respective light signals indicative of light intensity from said laser beam incident on said respective light receptor directly from free space;
• means for fixedly positioning said end of said optical fiber substantially in said plane of said light receptors with said end of said optical fiber substantially equidistant from each said light receptor;
• and
• means for moving said end of said optical fiber relative to said laser beam until said light signal from one said receptor is substantially equal to said light signals from all other said light receptors.

A method for aligning a laser beam in free space with an end of an optical fiber which comprises the steps of:

• directing said laser beam in free space toward said end of said optical fiber;
• surrounding said end of said optical fiber with a plurality of light receptors, with each said light receptor generating a light signal indicative of light intensity from said laser beam incident on said light receptor directly from free space;
• creating an error signal, said error signal being proportional to a difference between selected said light signals;
• and
• moving said laser beam relative to said end of said optical fiber in response to said error signal to align said laser beam with said end of said optical fiber.