Fiber squeezing device

A method for aligning an optical fiber with an actuator, the optical fiber having a birefringence, a characteristic transverse axis associated with the birefringence, and a longitudinal axis, the actuator having a force-applying element which selectively applies a variable pressure on the fiber generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a registration key defining a plurality of available predetermined orientations;
• engaging the registration key and the optical fiber such that there is a fixed relationship between the orientation of the registration key and the characteristic transverse axis of the optical fiber;
• engaging the registration key with the actuator such that a selected one of the plurality of available predetermined angular orientations exists and is maintained between the characteristic transverse axis of the optical fiber and the force-applying element of the actuator;
• and
• securing the optical fiber relative to the actuator.