Evaluation of a modular fiber optic assembly technique based on results from the production of directional couplers

Stephen R. Schaefer; Lee J. Gentilcore; Michael M. Salour

doi:10.1117/12.22845

1 November 1990 Evaluation of a modular fiber optic assembly technique based on results from the production of directional couplers

Stephen R. Schaefer, Lee J. Gentilcore, Michael M. Salour

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Proceedings Volume 1334, Current Developments in Optical Engineering IV; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.22845
Event: 34th Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1990, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We report here results from an ongoing micro-optical assembly program. This program addresses the application of a micro-assembly technology to the production and use of modular components for the rapid assembly of fiberoptic systems. This technology makes use of a master substrate to ensure the support and precise positioning of materials and components during the optical assembly process. Recently we have completed the development of a modular directional coupler, which makes use of this approach and is applicable to the implementation of the modular concept on a systems level. The coupler is formed by optical fibers in a crossed, planar geometiy. A partially reflecting platelet is physically inserted into a narrow gap through the fiber junction. The resulting structure functions as a guided-wave beamsplitter. The fibers are mounted on a patterned substrate that has photolithographically defined blocks to guide the fiber placement. The excess loss in such couplers has been measured to be less than 0.5 dB, and the directivity has been observed to be less than -35 dB. The performance of the coupler is discussed and compared with theory. The observed performance and other diagnostic measures are used as a basis for evaluating the precision and overall quality which are attainable with this approach. The prospects for applying this technology to systems-level fabrication and assembly are discussed.

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Stephen R. Schaefer, Lee J. Gentilcore, and Michael M. Salour "Evaluation of a modular fiber optic assembly technique based on results from the production of directional couplers", Proc. SPIE 1334, Current Developments in Optical Engineering IV, (1 November 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.22845

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KEYWORDS

Reflectors

Fiber optics

Optical fibers

Waveguides

Directional couplers

Optical engineering

Fiber couplers

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