WO1996010699A1 - Dispositif de positionnement et procede associe, et dispositif d'alignement d'une fibre optique avec un faisceau optique - Google Patents

Dispositif de positionnement et procede associe, et dispositif d'alignement d'une fibre optique avec un faisceau optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996010699A1
WO1996010699A1 PCT/US1995/012165 US9512165W WO9610699A1 WO 1996010699 A1 WO1996010699 A1 WO 1996010699A1 US 9512165 W US9512165 W US 9512165W WO 9610699 A1 WO9610699 A1 WO 9610699A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
axis
rotation
optical fiber
optical beam
relative
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/012165
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Irina Kiryuscheva
Emanuel Marom
David Mendlovic
Naim Conforti
Original Assignee
Ramot University Authority For Applied Research & Industrial Development Ltd.
Shoshan, Herbert, Z.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ramot University Authority For Applied Research & Industrial Development Ltd., Shoshan, Herbert, Z. filed Critical Ramot University Authority For Applied Research & Industrial Development Ltd.
Priority to AU37238/95A priority Critical patent/AU3723895A/en
Priority to US08/809,870 priority patent/US5859947A/en
Publication of WO1996010699A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996010699A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3801—Permanent connections, i.e. wherein fibres are kept aligned by mechanical means
    • G02B6/3803—Adjustment or alignment devices for alignment prior to splicing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
    • G02B6/4219—Mechanical fixtures for holding or positioning the elements relative to each other in the couplings; Alignment methods for the elements, e.g. measuring or observing methods especially used therefor
    • G02B6/422—Active alignment, i.e. moving the elements in response to the detected degree of coupling or position of the elements
    • G02B6/4226—Positioning means for moving the elements into alignment, e.g. alignment screws, deformation of the mount
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/003—Alignment of optical elements
    • G02B7/004—Manual alignment, e.g. micromanipulators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to positioning devices for positioning workpieces in general.
  • the present invention relates to positioning devices for positioning workpieces along translations and through angular rotations about two or more axes of rotation.
  • the present invention also relates to methods and devices for coupling or launching an optical beam into an optical fiber or spatial filter in general.
  • the present invention relates to devices for aligning an optical fiber with a laser beam in a laser-to-fiber set-up and an optical fiber with an optical beam issued by an optical fiber in a fiber-to-fiber set-up.
  • Flexure devices enabling displacement in two or three coordinate include, for example, US Patent 3,585,866 to Ensinger, US Patent 4,382,709 to Brown, US Patent 4,499,778 to Westhaver et al., US Patent 4,691,586 to van Leijenhorst, and the like.
  • these devices suffer from the disadvantage that they do not provide independent displacement along different axes since their flexure hinges are not rigid and their deformations are not restricted to one axis.
  • the coupling or launching of an optical beam into an optical fiber is problematic because of the small diameter, typically around 5 microns, of the optical fiber's core.
  • the positioning devices can be employed for in a method for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface of the optical fiber is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam.
  • the positioning devices can be adapted for use in laser-to-fiber set-ups, laser-to-spatial filter set-ups, fiber-to-fiber set-ups and the like.
  • the present invention is for positioning devices for positioning workpieces along translations and through angular rotations about two or more axes of rotation.
  • the positioning devices can be employed for in method for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface of the optical fiber is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam.
  • the positioning devices can be adapted for use in laser-to-fiber set-ups, laser-to-spatial filter set-ups, fiber-to-fiber set-ups and the like.
  • the positioning devices use combinations of cross-shaped flexure connectors, each cross-shaped flexure connector providing an axis of rotation which is rigid and stable and providing only a single degree of rotation.
  • the cross-shaped flexure connectors can be combined in one of two manners. The first manner being that their axes of rotation are mutually perpendicular, thereby realizing devices which providing co-ordinate independent angular rotation of a workpiece. The second manner being that their axes of rotation are parallel, thereby realizing devices providing translation of a workpiece. All in all, these devices provide independent displacement of each coordinate and have the further advantage of not requiring high precision elements to achieve high resolution movements.
  • a positioning device for positioning a workpiece, the positioning device comprising: (a) a base; (b) an intermediate member; (c) a first cross- shaped flexure connector including a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members, the intersection between the flexure members defining a first axis of rotation, the base and the intermediate member deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about the first cross-shaped flexure connector so as to pivot the intermediate member relative to the base about the first axis of rotation; (d) a first actuator for providing angular rotation of the intermediate member relative to the base about the first axis of rotation; (e) a workpiece holder for holding the workpiece; (f) a second cross-shaped flexure connector including a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members, the intersection between the flexure members defining a second axis of rotation, the workpiece holder and the intermediate member deployed in a substantially dia
  • the first axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation and wherein the first axis of rotation intersects the second axis of rotation.
  • the workpiece has at least one axis of symmetry which substantially coincides with at least one of the axes of rotation.
  • the device further comprising: (i) a second intermediate member; (ii) a third cross-shaped flexure connector including a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members, the intersection between the flexure members defining a third axis of rotation, the base and the second intermediate member deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about the third cross-shaped flexure connector so as to pivot the second intermediate member relative to the base about the third axis of rotation; and (iii) a third actuator for providing angular rotation of the second intermediate member relative to the base about the third axis of rotation.
  • the third axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and wherein the third axis of rotation intersects the first axis of rotation.
  • the third axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation and wherein the third axis of rotation intersects the second axis of rotation.
  • the first axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation are substantially mutually perpendicular to each other and wherein the first axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation all intersect each other.
  • a positioning device for positioning a workpiece, the positioning device comprising: (a) a base; (b) a first member; (c) a first cross-shaped flexure connector including a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members, the intersection between the flexure members defining a first axis of rotation, the first member and the base deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about the first cross-shaped flexure connector so as to pivot the first member relative to the base about the first axis of rotation; (d) a workpiece holder for holding the workpiece, the workpiece holder substantially parallel to the base; (e) a second cross- shaped flexure connector including a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members, the intersection between the flexure members defining a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being parallel to the first axis of rotation, the workpiece holder and the first member deployed in a substantially diametrically
  • the first member and the second member are of substantially the same length so as to facilitate a curvilinear translation of a plane associated with the workpiece. According to a further feature of the present invention, the first member and the second member are of substantially different lengths so as to facilitate a rectilinear translation of a point associated with the workpiece.
  • a positioning device for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam
  • the positioning device comprising: (a) an optical device holder for holding an optical device issuing an optical beam having an optical axis; and (b) an optical fiber sub-assembly including: (i) an optical fiber holder for holding an end of the optical fiber so as to provide an endface for capturing at least a portion of the optical beam, (ii) a yaw positioner for adjusting a yaw aspect of the optical fiber relative to the optical beam, (iii) a pitch positioner for adjusting a pitch aspect of the optical fiber relative to the optical beam, and (iv) a rectilinear translation positioner for providing a rectilinear translation of the endface, the rectilinear translation positioner associated with the yaw positioner such that the rectilinear translation is relative to the yaw aspect, and the rectilinear translation positioner associated with the pitch positioner
  • the yaw positioner includes a cross-shaped flexure connector.
  • the pitch positioner includes a cross-shaped flexure connector.
  • the rectilinear translation positioner includes at least one cross-shaped flexure connector.
  • the endface substantially lies at the intersection between the axis of rotation of the pitch positioner and the axis of rotation of the yaw positioner.
  • the device further comprising a pitch positioner for adjusting the pitch aspect of the optical beam relative to the optical fiber sub-assembly.
  • the device further comprising a yaw positioner for adjusting the yaw aspect of the optical beam relative to the optical fiber sub-assembly.
  • the device further comprising a translation positioner for translatory movement of the optical beam relative to the optical fiber sub-assembly.
  • a method for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the optical fiber at an arbitrary position relative to the optical beam; (b) adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam such that the optical fiber is located at a position indicative of a local maximum of the optical beam; (c) deploying the optical fiber to a new position by a displacement of the optical fiber relative to the optical beam along a path passing through the local maximum from step (b); (d) adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam at the new position by angular rotation of the optical fiber relative to the optical beam about the local maximum from step (b) such that the axis of the optical fiber is substantially coincident to the axis of the optical beam; and (e) deploying the optical fiber at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam by displacing the optical fiber along the axis of the optical beam.
  • the step of adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam is achieved by translatory movement of the optical beam.
  • the step of adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam is achieved by translatory movement of the optical fiber.
  • the step of adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam is achieved by angular rotation of the objective lens.
  • the step of adjusting the alignment between the optical fiber and the optical beam is achieved by angular rotation of the optical fiber.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first conventional positioning device, including a cross-shaped flexure connector, for providing single axis angular rotation of a workpiece;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second conventional positioning device, including a cross-shaped flexural connector, for providing single axis angular rotation of a workpiece;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of disassembled cross-shaped flexural connector used in the positioning devices of Figures 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a positioning device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for providing dual axis angular rotation of a workpiece;
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of the positioning device of Figure 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a disassembled positioning device of Figure 4.
  • FIGS. 7a and 7b are top views of a workpiece being positioned from a first position to a second position about a first axis of rotation using the yaw positioner of the positioning device of Figure 4;
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b are side views of a workpiece being positioned from a first position to a second position about a second axis of rotation using the pitch positioner of the positioning device of Figure 4;
  • FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a positioning device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for providing dual axis angular rotation of a workpiece;
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 are front and side views of the positioning device of Figure 9;
  • FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a positioning device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for providing a curvilinear translation of a plane associated with a workpiece while maintaining a constant aspect of the plane relative to a base;
  • FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a disassembled positioning device of Figure 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a side view of the plane associated with a workpiece being positioned from a first position to a second position by virtue of a parallelogram shifting of the positioning device of Figure 12;
  • FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a positioning device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for providing a rectilinear translation of a point associated with a workpiece;
  • FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a disassembled positioning device of Figure 13;
  • FIGS. 17a and 17b are plan views of a point associated with a workpiece being positioned from a first position to a second position along a rectilinear translation by virtue of the skewing of the positioning device of Figure 15;
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the rectilinear translation of the point shown in Figure 17;
  • FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a positioning device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam;
  • FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the positioning device of Figure 19 depicting the adjustments of the optical fiber sub-assembly of the positioning device;
  • FIG. 21 depicts a series of steps for aligning an optical beam with an optical device according to a method of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the present invention is of positioning devices for positioning workpieces along a translation and through an angular rotation about two or more axes of rotation.
  • the positioning devices can be employed in a method for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface of the optical fiber is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam, thereby ensuring a high coupling efficiency.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two conventional positioning devices including a cross-shaped flexure connector 10 for providing single axis angular rotation of a first member 12 relative to a second member 14 about an axis denoted A.
  • first member 12 will be regarded as a fixed base while second member 14 will be regarded as a workpiece holder for holding a workpiece.
  • the degree of angular rotation of workpiece holder 14 relative to base 12 about axis of rotation A is regulated by an actuator 16.
  • Actuator 16 can be a manually operated device, for example, a thumbscrew, or an electrically operated device, for example, a piezoelectric actuator.
  • the final resolution of a positioning device including cross- shaped flexure connector 10 is determined by the pitch of the thumbscrew or the resolution of the piezoelectric actuator. Return motion and removal of backlash are typically provided by a spring (not shown).
  • actuator 16 is implemented as a thumbscrew 18 traversing an aperture 20 provided in a member 22, extending from base 12 in a substantially parallel fashion to workpiece 12, such that the tip of thumbscrew 18 acts against workpiece holder 14 when advancing thumbscrew 18 in a forward direction toward workpiece holder 14. While, as shown in Figure 2, thumbscrew 18 traverses an aperture 24 provided in workpiece holder 14 for acting against a stop 26 mounted on base 12.
  • cross-shaped flexure connector 10 includes a pair of substantially planar flexure members 28 and 30 lying in mutually perpendicular planes such that the line of intersection between these planes is axis of rotation A.
  • Flexure members 28 and 30 can be fabricated as discrete members or can be fabricated as a combined unit.
  • flexure members 28 and 30 can be fabricated from flat pieces of deformable material or from planar springs.
  • base 12 and workpiece holder 14 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposing fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 10 so as to pivot workpiece holder 14 relative to base 12 about axis of rotation A.
  • Rigid connection between flexure members 28 and 30 and surfaces of base 12 and workpiece holder 14 can be achieved by adhering flexure members 28 and 30 to surfaces of base 12 and workpiece holder 14, by using screws, by welding corresponding surfaces, and the like.
  • axis of rotation A lies substantially coincident with a working edge 32 defined as the edge 12a of base 12 between a first substantially horizontal surface 12b of base 12 and a first substantially vertical surface
  • flexure members 28 and 30 in this case, flexure member 28, horizontally traverses working edge 32 for rigidly connecting horizontal surface 12b to horizontal surface 14b while, the other flexure member, flexure member 30, vertically traverses working edge 32 for rigidly connecting vertical surface 12c to vertical surface 14c.
  • a front portion 28a of flexure member 28 is connected to an area 32a of plane 12b while a rear portion 28b is connected to an area 32b of plane 14b.
  • a bottom portion 30a is connected to area 32c of plane 12c while a top portion 30b is connected to area 32d of plane 14c.
  • the present invention teaches two basic mechanisms depending on whether the axes of rotation of the cross-shaped flexure connectors are mutually perpendicular to each other or are parallel to each other. In the case that the axes of rotation are mutually perpendicular, devices are realized enabling angular rotation of a workpiece. In the case that the axes of rotation are parallel, devices are realized enabling translation of either a point or a plane associated with a workpiece.
  • a positioning device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown for dual axial angular rotation of a workpiece.
  • the axes of rotation are mutually perpendicular to one another, for example, to achieve a pitch motion and a yaw motion, however, angles other than 90° can be subtended between the axes of rotation.
  • the workpiece is depicted as an objective lens 102 held by a workpiece 104 employed, for example, for focussing a beam issued by a laser (not shown) to a focal point for capture by a fiber optic in a laser-to-fiber set-up.
  • the workpiece can be a mirror, beam splitter and the like.
  • the workpiece can be any of a wide range of workpieces depending on the application of positioning device 100 in the fields of optics, microscopy, semiconductor technology, micro-machining, the life sciences and the like.
  • positioning device 100 includes a yaw positioner, generally designated 110, for adjusting the yaw aspect B of intermediate member 108 relative to an upward side wall 112 of base 106 about an axis of rotation C.
  • positioning device 100 includes a pitch positioner, generally designated 114, for adjusting the pitch aspect D of workpiece holder 104 relative to intermediate member 108 about an axis of rotation E.
  • axes of rotation C and E intersect at the center denoted F of objective lens 102 such that the combined actions of yaw positioner 110 and pitch positioner 114 are equivalent to mounting objective lens 102 on a ball joint.
  • Yaw positioner 110 includes a cross-shaped flexure connector 122 vertically deployed between intermediate member 108 and upward side wall 112 and a thumbscrew 124 traversing an aperture 126 provided in intermediate member 108 for acting against a stop 128 provided on base 106.
  • thumbscrew 124 is used for regulating yaw aspect B of intermediate member 108 relative to upward side wall 112 about axis of rotation C defined by cross-shaped flexure connector 122.
  • pitch positioner 114 includes a cross- shaped flexure connector 130 horizontally deployed between arm 120 and intermediate member 108 and a thumbscrew 132 traversing aperture 118 provided in intermediate member 108 for acting against a stop 128 provided on downward depending leg 116.
  • thumbscrew 132 is used for regulating pitch aspect D of workpiece holder 104 relative to intermediate member 108 about axis of rotation E defined by cross-shaped flexure connector 130.
  • advancement of thumbscrew 132 toward intermediate member 108 inclines workpiece holder 104 from a substantially perpendicular position to an inclined position.
  • a positioning device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown for dual axial angular rotation of a workpiece.
  • the construction and operation of positioning device 200 is similar to positioning device 100 so that similar elements are likewise numbered.
  • the axis of rotation denoted G of yaw positioner 210 intersects with the axis of rotation denoted H of pitch positioner 214.
  • the difference between positioning device 200 and positioning device 100 is that the axis of rotation G of yaw positioner 210 coincides with the vertical axis of symmetry of objective element 202 while the axis of rotation H of pitch positioner 214 is offset relative to the horizontal axis of symmetry of objective element 202.
  • both positioning device 100 and positioning device 200 can be provided with a third axis of rotation so that a workpiece can also be manipulated about a roll axis of rotation as well as a yaw axis of rotation and a pitch axis of rotation.
  • the roll aspect of rotation is achieved by providing a roll positioner including a cross-shaped flexure connector, a second intermediate member and a third actuator such that all three axes of rotation are mutually perpendicular to each other and all intersect each other.
  • positioning device 300 constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown for the translation of a workpiece.
  • positioning device 300 is designed for the curvilinear translation of a plane associated with workpiece from a first position to a second position while maintaining the same aspect of the plane relative to a base in both positions.
  • the workpiece is once again depicted as an objective lens 302, however, as before, it should be readily understood that the workpiece can be any of a wide range of workpieces depending on the application of positioning device 300.
  • positioning device 300 includes a base 304, a first member 306, a workpiece holder 308 for holding objective lens 302 and a second member 310, four cross-shaped flexure connectors 312, 314, 316 and 318, and an actuator 320.
  • actuator 320 is implemented as thumbscrew 322 traversing through an aperture 324 provided in a leg 326 extending from first member 306 in a substantially horizontal fashion to base 304 such that the tip of thumbscrew 322 acts against a platform 328 on which base 304 is mounted.
  • cross-shaped flexure connectors 312, 314, 316 and 318 include a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members where the intersection between flexure members defines an axis of rotation as described hereinabove with reference to cross-shaped flexure connector 10.
  • first member 306 and base 304 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 312 so as to pivot first member 306 relative to base 304 about an axis of rotation I.
  • workpiece holder 308 and first member 306 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 314 so as to pivot workpiece holder 308 relative to first member 306 about an axis of rotation J parallel to axis of rotation I.
  • second member 310 and workpiece holder 308 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 316 so as to pivot second member 5 310 relative to workpiece holder 308 about an axis of rotation K parallel to axis of rotation I.
  • base 304 and second member 310 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross- shaped flexure connector 318 so as to pivot second member 310 relative to base 304 about an axis of rotation L parallel to axis of rotation I.
  • base 304, first member 306, workpiece holder 308 and second member 310 establish a substantially rectangular structure when the angles subtended between adjacent sides are substantially 90° such that the curvilinear translation of objective lens 302 relative to base 304 is facilitated by virtue of a parallelogram shifting of positioning device 300.
  • the parallelogram shifting of positioning device 300 is effected by actuator 320 applying a moment about axis of rotation I.
  • positioning device 400 constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown for translation a workpiece.
  • positioning device 400 is designed for the rectilinear translation of a point 5 of a workpiece from a first position to a second position along a straight line trajectory.
  • the workpiece is depicted as a fiber optic 402, however, as before, it should be readily understood that the workpiece can be any of a wide range of workpieces depending on the application of positioning device 400.
  • the selected point which moves along the straight line trajectory can be the endface 402a of fiber optic 402.
  • positioning device 400 includes a base 404, a first member 406, a workpiece holder 408 for holding fiber optic 402 and a second member 410, four cross-shaped flexure connectors 412, 414, 416 and 418, and an actuator 420.
  • Cross-shaped flexure connectors 414 and 416 have a common horizontal flexure member due to the close physical proximity therebetween.
  • actuator 420 is implemented as a thumbscrew 422 traversing through an aperture 424 provided in second member 410 such that the tip of thumbscrew 422 acts against an arm 426 extending from base 404.
  • cross-shaped flexure connectors 412, 414, 416 and 418 include a pair of substantially perpendicular planar flexure members where the intersection between flexure members defines an axis of rotation as described hereinabove with reference to cross-shaped flexure connector 10.
  • first member 406 and base 404 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 412 so as to pivot first member 406 relative to base 404 about an axis of rotation M.
  • workpiece holder 408 and first member 406 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 414 so as to pivot workpiece holder 408 relative to first member 406 about an axis of rotation N parallel to axis of rotation M.
  • second member 410 and workpiece holder 408 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross-shaped flexure connector 416 so as to pivot second member 410 relative to workpiece holder 408 about an axis of rotation O parallel to axis of rotation M.
  • base 404 and second member 410 are deployed in a substantially diametrically opposed fashion about cross- shaped flexure connector 418 so as to pivot second member 410 relative to base 404 about an axis of rotation P parallel to axis of rotation M.
  • base 404, first member 406, workpiece holder 408 and second member 410 establish a substantially rectangular structure when the angles subtended between adjacent sides are substantially 90°.
  • the rectilinear translation of endface 402a of fiber optic 402 along a straight line trajectory is engineered by fabricating first member 406 and second member 410 of different lengths. In the present instance, first member 406 is longer than second member 406 while base 404 is provided as an L- shaped piece.
  • workpiece holder 408 is rendered inclined relative to base 404, thereby compensating at the selected point, namely, endface 402a, for the arcuate movement of positioning device 400 such that endface 402a, in effect, is displaced along a rectilinear translation.
  • positioning device 500 constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam.
  • positioning device 500 can be employed in a laser-to-fiber set-up or a laser-to-spatial filter set-up where the optical beam is issued by an objective lens employed for focussing a laser beam or in a fiber-to-fiber set-up where the optical beam is issued by an optical fiber.
  • positioning device 500 can be employed for coupling a laser beam into an optical fiber or a spatial filter or, alternatively, for coupling a pair of optical fibers.
  • positioning device 500 is described for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam issued by an objective lens.
  • positioning device 500 enables accurate positioning of an optical fiber relative to an optical beam by virtue of five degrees of freedom.
  • two of the five degrees of freedom are employed for gross adjustment between the optical fiber and the optical beam while the remaining three degrees of freedom are employed for fine adjustment therebetween.
  • Gross adjustment of the set-up can be achieved by positioning either the optical beam or the optical fiber while fine adjustment of the set-up is achieved by positioning the optical fiber. In the present instance, gross adjustment of the set-up is preferably achieved by positioning of the optical beam.
  • positioning device 500 includes an optical device sub- assembly, generally designated 502, for positioning an optical beam issued by an objective lens 504 employed for focussing the beam of a laser (not shown) and an optical fiber sub-assembly, generally designated 506, for positioning an endface 508 of an optical fiber 510 for capturing the optical beam.
  • objective lens 504 focusses the optical beam to a focal point having a diameter in the order of about 5 mm corresponding to the diameter of the core of optical fiber 510.
  • the focal point is typically in the range of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.
  • optical device sub-assembly 502 can be adapted for positioning an optical beam issued by an optical fiber in a fiber-to-fiber set-up.
  • positioning device 500 It is a particular feature of positioning device 500 that it is, in effect, a combination of basic mechanisms described hereinabove mounted on a common base 512 including a side wall 514 and a stop 516.
  • optical device sub-assembly 502 has the same construction and mode of operation as a positioning device 100 while optical fiber sub-assembly 506 21 has the same construction and mode of operation as the combination of a positioning device 500 mounted on a positioning device 100.
  • optical device sub-assembly 502 includes three basic elements in a similar fashion to positioning device 100.
  • the combined actions of yaw positioner 520 and pitch positioner 524 are equivalent to mounting objective lens 504 on a ball joint mount, thereby rendering a translatory movement of the optical beam issued thereby relative to optical fiber sub-assembly 506.
  • optical device sub-assembly 502 can be provided with dedicated translation positioners for translatory movement of the optical beam relative to optical fiber sub- assembly 506.
  • optical fiber sub- assembly 506 includes four basic elements.
  • an optical fiber holder 528 for holding optical fiber 510.
  • a yaw positioner generally designated 530 regulated by a screw 532 for adjusting the yaw aspect Q of endface 508 about an axis of rotation denoted R and relative to the optical beam.
  • a pitch positioner generally designated 534 regulated by a screw 536 for adjusting the pitch aspect S of endface 508 about an axis of rotation denoted T and relative to the optical beam.
  • a rectilinear translation positioner generally designated 538, regulated by a screw 540 for providing translatory movement U of endface 508.
  • Rectilinear translation positioner 538 is mounted on pitch positioner 534 by means of an arm 542, previously denoted 426 in Figure 15, pivoted about an intermediate member 544 pivoted about upright side wall 514.
  • endface 508 substantially lies over the intersection of axes of rotation R and T such that, on the one hand, the rectilinear translation of endface 508 is relative to pitch aspect S of arm 542 about axis of rotation T while, on the other hand, the rectilinear translation of endface 508 is relative to yaw aspect Q of intermediate member 544 about axis of rotation R.
  • the method for aligning endface 508 of optical fiber 510 with an optical beam using positioning device 500 such that the axis of optical fiber 510 is substantially coincident to the axis of the optical beam and endface 508 of optical fiber 510 is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam is now described with reference to Figure 21.
  • the operator sets up positioning device 500 by mounting an objective lens 504 in optical device holder 508 and inserting optical fiber 510 into optical fiber holder 518 such that optical fiber 510 is positioned in an arbitrary position relative to the optical beam issuing from objective lens 504 as shown in Figure 21a.
  • the operator effects the gross alignment between optical fiber 510 and the optical beam such that endface 508 is located at a local maximum of the optical beam.
  • the local maximum is typically detected by measuring the light intensity of the light captured by optical fiber 510.
  • This gross adjustment is achieved by any one of a number of manners depending on the construction of positioning device 500. In the present instance, it is achieved through regulation of yaw positioner 520 by means of screw 522 and through regulation of pitch positioner 524 by means of screw 526 to provide yaw and pitch movements which are in effect equivalent to a translatory movement of the optical beam. Alternatively, the gross adjustment can be achieved by translatory movement or ball joint manipulation of optical fiber 510.
  • the translatory movement of optical is along a path passing through the position of the local maximum found in the above-mentioned step described with reference to Figure 21b.
  • the operator displaces optical fiber 510 until the light intensity captured by optical fiber reaches near zero, or, in other words, as endface 508 approaches the extremity of the envelope of the optical beam issued by optical lens 504.
  • the operator adjusts the aspect of endface 508 of optical fiber 510 by angular rotation thereof relative to the optical beam at the new position such that endface 508 is again located at a local maximum of the optical beam.
  • this angular rotation is effected about an axis of rotation corresponding to the local maximum of the optical beam found in the above-mentioned step described with reference to Figure 21b.
  • the second local maximum is achieved when the axis of optical fiber 510 is substantially coincident to the axis of the optical beam and not to the axis of objective lens 504.
  • This adjustment is achieved by fine regulation of yaw positioner 530 by means of screw 532 and fine regulation of pitch positioner 534 by means of screw 536.
  • the position of the global maximum of the optical beam lies along the axis extending between two local maxima found in the steps shown in Figures 21b and 2 Id.
  • the operator deploys endface 508 of optical fiber 510 at the global maximum of the optical beam by displacing optical fiber 510 along the axis of the optical beam, as shown in Figure 21e, by virtue of the novel translatory movement of rectilinear translation positioner 538.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Laser Beam Processing (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif de positionnement (500) de pièces à usiner par des translations et des rotations autour de deux ou plusieurs axes. Le dispositif (500) en question peut en particulier être utilisé dans un procédé d'alignement d'une fibre optique (510) avec un faisceau optique de manière à ce que l'axe de la fibre optique (510) coïncide avec celui du faisceau optique et que la face (508) terminale de la fibre (510) puisse se placer au niveau du maximum global le long de l'axe du faisceau optique. Ces dispositifs de positionnement peuvent servir dans les montages laser/fibres, laser/filtres spatiaux, fibre/fibre et autres.
PCT/US1995/012165 1994-10-02 1995-09-26 Dispositif de positionnement et procede associe, et dispositif d'alignement d'une fibre optique avec un faisceau optique WO1996010699A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU37238/95A AU3723895A (en) 1994-10-02 1995-09-26 Positioning devices and a method and positioning device for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam
US08/809,870 US5859947A (en) 1994-10-02 1995-09-26 Positioning devices and a method and positioning device for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL11112494A IL111124A (en) 1994-10-02 1994-10-02 Positioning devices and a method and positioning device for aligning an optical fiber with an optical beam
IL111124 1994-10-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996010699A1 true WO1996010699A1 (fr) 1996-04-11

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PCT/US1995/012165 WO1996010699A1 (fr) 1994-10-02 1995-09-26 Dispositif de positionnement et procede associe, et dispositif d'alignement d'une fibre optique avec un faisceau optique

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3723895A (fr)
IL (1) IL111124A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996010699A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000077890A2 (fr) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Daniel Kopf Systeme optique pour lasers
WO2007056595A1 (fr) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 Thomson Licensing Regleur de couture optique
CN103605196A (zh) * 2013-10-31 2014-02-26 北京工业大学 智能遥感微空间光学器件旋转定位系统
CN104713498A (zh) * 2015-02-12 2015-06-17 中国科学院长春光学精密机械与物理研究所 一种三点支撑下自动旋转角度检测工装

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3585866A (en) * 1969-07-01 1971-06-22 Singer General Precision Gyroscope flexure hinge suspension
US4128352A (en) * 1977-12-12 1978-12-05 The Perkin-Elmer Corporation Two axis flexure
US4382709A (en) * 1981-03-30 1983-05-10 Rockwell International Corporation On-axis flex web gimbal
US4999778A (en) * 1987-12-05 1991-03-12 Daimler-Benz Ag Method and apparatus for determining slip thresholds for a propulsion slip control system of a motor vehicle
US5101681A (en) * 1987-06-09 1992-04-07 Ameus Corporation Interlocking-body connective joints

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3585866A (en) * 1969-07-01 1971-06-22 Singer General Precision Gyroscope flexure hinge suspension
US4128352A (en) * 1977-12-12 1978-12-05 The Perkin-Elmer Corporation Two axis flexure
US4382709A (en) * 1981-03-30 1983-05-10 Rockwell International Corporation On-axis flex web gimbal
US5101681A (en) * 1987-06-09 1992-04-07 Ameus Corporation Interlocking-body connective joints
US4999778A (en) * 1987-12-05 1991-03-12 Daimler-Benz Ag Method and apparatus for determining slip thresholds for a propulsion slip control system of a motor vehicle

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000077890A2 (fr) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Daniel Kopf Systeme optique pour lasers
WO2000077890A3 (fr) * 1999-06-11 2001-12-06 Daniel Kopf Systeme optique pour lasers
WO2007056595A1 (fr) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 Thomson Licensing Regleur de couture optique
CN103605196A (zh) * 2013-10-31 2014-02-26 北京工业大学 智能遥感微空间光学器件旋转定位系统
CN104713498A (zh) * 2015-02-12 2015-06-17 中国科学院长春光学精密机械与物理研究所 一种三点支撑下自动旋转角度检测工装
CN104713498B (zh) * 2015-02-12 2017-09-12 中国科学院长春光学精密机械与物理研究所 一种三点支撑下自动旋转角度检测工装

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3723895A (en) 1996-04-26
IL111124A (en) 1996-07-23

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