Integrated optics chip automated fabrication at Honeywell

Derek Mead; Michael Alden

doi:10.1117/12.2594302

1 August 2021 Integrated optics chip automated fabrication at Honeywell

Derek Mead, Michael Alden

Proceedings Volume 11816, Optomechanics and Optical Alignment; 1181606 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2594302
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2021, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Historically polarization maintaining fiber requires manual alignment of five degrees of freedom to optimize coupling with the waveguide of a lithium niobate sliver used to fabricate an optical modulator. This manual process for a Y-branch modulator needs to be completed four times on the sliver with a temporary, input and two output optical fiber pigtails being installed. In this abstract we will introduce combining these four pigtail operations into single station and automating the alignment process through the novel use of several virtual pivot points surrounding two ultra-precision 6-axis actuators. Customized fixturing mounted to different areas of each actuator allows for a single station to accomplish all four unique pigtail attachment operations without having to swap out and realign tooling. The optical fiber pigtail assemblies are gripped by the fixturing on the actuators, while the lithium niobate sliver is mounted to one of two separate stationary locations surrounding the actuators, depending upon which pigtail alignment operation is being performed. Automated control software then optimizes the fiber-to-modulator waveguide alignment prior to and during the bonding of both elements. The result is a highly repeatable and efficient optical fiber pigtail attachment process with substantial cost savings.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Derek Mead and Michael Alden "Integrated optics chip automated fabrication at Honeywell", Proc. SPIE 11816, Optomechanics and Optical Alignment, 1181606 (1 August 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2594302

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