Realization of multifiber ferrule mold inserts fabricated by the LIGA process

Ruey Fang Shyu; Hsiharng Yang; Min-Chieh Chou

doi:10.1117/12.404905

20 October 2000 Realization of multifiber ferrule mold inserts fabricated by the LIGA process

Ruey Fang Shyu, Hsiharng Yang, Min-Chieh Chou

Proceedings Volume 4230, Micromachining and Microfabrication; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.404905
Event: International Symposium on Microelectronics and Assembly, 2000, Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

This paper presents a micromachining technique to solve the precision machining difficult for multi-fiber ferrule production. The LIGA technology is applied to make 1.2 mm thick V-groove mold inserts with dimensional tolerance 1 micrometers . It stars with x-ray mask fabrication, x-ray exposure, Ni-Co electroforming, and planarization to complete the metallic ferrule mold inserts. X-ray mask is developed here in low cost and accessible in Taiwan. The absorber thickness can be achieved to 30 micrometers in straightness. The single x- ray exposure can generate 1.2 mm thick PMMA after development process. This development proves the feasibility of many applications in x-ray micromachining. In the optical fiber passive components, connectors play a joint role int he whole system. Ferrule i the key part of a fiber connector. Since the development of the LIGA technology, high precision micro-components such the ferrule is considered to be applied. All multi-fiber ferrules require the same accuracy of pitch distance between two channels. The mold insert for ferrule fabrication becomes the most important part. Conventional precision machining has certain limitations on machining micro-components due to machining tool size and material wears. The LIGA technique can overcome these problems. It utilizes x-ray to penetrate polymer material and create molds, then applies electroforming to make metallic molds. These molds can be applied for molding process in mass production.

Citation Download Citation

Ruey Fang Shyu, Hsiharng Yang, and Min-Chieh Chou "Realization of multifiber ferrule mold inserts fabricated by the LIGA process", Proc. SPIE 4230, Micromachining and Microfabrication, (20 October 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.404905

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