Optical aligning by eccentric laser welding

A method for aligning a first optical element with a second optical element comprising the steps of:

• a) securing the first optical element in a first holding means, the first optical element including a first metallic portion mounted thereon;
• b) securing the second optical element in a second holding means, the second optical element including a second metallic portion mounted thereon;
• c) launching an input signal through the first optical element to the second optical element, and measuring an output from the second optical element;
• d) adjusting the relative positions of the first and second optical elements until the output from the second optical element is above a predetermined threshold;
• e) fixing the first optical element to the second optical element;
• f) releasing the first or the second optical elements from the first or the second holding means, respectively;
• g) applying a series of test forces to the released one of the first or the second optical element until an optimum deflection of the released one of the first or the second optical element is found, whereby the output from the second optical element is above a desired level;
• and
• h) applying at least one weld to the first or the second metallic portion that substantially provides the optimum deflection to the first or the second optical element.