Method to align optical components to a substrate and other optical components

An apparatus for aligning a plurality of transmission paths of an array of optical devices with an optically transparent alignment substrate, such apparatus comprising:

• the array of optical devices;
• the transparent substrate;
• a plurality of alignment guides disposed on the optical array;
• a corresponding plurality of respective alignment guides on a first side of the transparent substrate;
• and
• means for guiding the optical devices of the array into alignment with the transparent substrate so that the plurality of transmission paths pass directly through the transparent substrate using the plurality of alignment guides on the optical array and transparent substrate.