Optical fiber alignment element using integrated micro ball lens

Abstract

An optical fiber alignment element using integrated micro ball lens includes a substrate and a plurality of V-shaped grooves or waveguides formed on the substrate by lithography and etching. The substrate surface is coated with a first polymer layer and a high transparency second polymer layer, then is processed through a lithography process and heating process to form at least a base pad and a spherical micro ball lens between the V-shaped grooves or waveguides. Then dispose optical fibers in the V-shaped grooves. And encase an upper cap over the micro ball lens, grooves, and optical fibers or waveguides. Through suitable configuration and positioning of the micro ball lens, grooves or waveguides, the micro ball lens may be aligned precisely between two sides of the optical fibers or waveguides. The process is simpler, more accurate, and may produce the optical fiber alignment element in an integrated and batch fashion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.