Integrated optical component with photodetector for automated manufacturing platform
AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorsBo A. Andersen, Kirk J. Witherow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for retaining optical components in a planar configuration has a lens and an electro-optic component. The lens is optically coupled to the optical components. The electro-optic component is coupled to a support member. Alignment of the lens with the electro-optic component is performed by directly positioning the lens to maximize the transfer of optical energy from the lens to the electro-optic component. No optical fibers need be directly manipulated to perform the alignment, thus allowing for alignment of optical components with electro-optical components using the same procedures and equipment as used for aligning optical components with optical components.
Claims13
An optical component assembly comprising:
- a region for retaining at least one optical component therein;
- first and second optically transmissive opposing sides of said region;
- at least one lens optically coupled to a corresponding one of said at least one optical component, wherein said at least one lens is attached to said first opposing side;
- and
- at least one electro-optic component attached to said optical component assembly, wherein:
- said at least one lens is positioned between a respective electro-optic component and said first opposing side;
- and the electro-optic component is attached to the assembly in a manner such that light is coupled thereto by the lens and the lens is aligned therewith by movement of the lens, and
- at least one of the at least one electro-optic component is a photodetector.
A method for aligning components within an optical component assembly having at least one electro-optic component, at least one lens, and a region for retaining at least one optical component, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing said assembly comprising said region, wherein opposing first and second sides of said region comprise an optically transmissive material;
- positioning said at least one optical component within said region;
- attaching said at least one optical component within said region;
- attaching said at least one electro-optic component to said assembly;
- positioning at least one optical energy source lens assembly proximate said first side of said region, wherein said at least one optical energy source lens assembly is optically coupled to said at least one optical component;
- positioning said at least one lens proximate said second side of said region wherein said at least one lens is optically coupled to said at least one optical component and to said at least one electro-optic component;
- attaching one of said at least one optical energy source lens assembly and said at least one lens to said assembly;
- and
- aligning said at least one optical energy source lens assembly with said at least one electro-optic component through said at least one optical component and through said at least one lens by positioning the other one of said at least one optical energy source lens assembly and said at least one lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.