Automated optical passive alignment technique for PLC modules

Yutaka Nakamura; Hitoshi Komoriya; Takao Hirahara; Tetsuo Koezuka

doi:10.1117/12.341128

8 March 1999 Automated optical passive alignment technique for PLC modules

Yutaka Nakamura, Hitoshi Komoriya, Takao Hirahara, Tetsuo Koezuka

Proceedings Volume 3652, Machine Vision Applications in Industrial Inspection VII; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.341128
Event: Electronic Imaging '99, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We have developed an automated optical passive alignment technique for planar lightwave circuit (PLC) modules. Our technique is based on aligning a laser diode (LD) on a PLC module, and can be used to create an optical network unit. The PLC module we propose consists of a LD and a photodiode, which are mounted on the surface of the PLC platform without a lens. Because these elements send light directly to the waveguide on the PLC platform and receive light from the waveguide, a precise alignment technique is required. We therefore developed the mirror image alignment method in order to automatically align the LD on the PLC with extreme accuracy. The method is effective regardless of the position of the LD and the thickness of the solder. The mirror image method uses the markers on the PLC and their images, which are reflected on the front wall of the LD. The achieved accuracy for positioning was within 1 micron in the lateral direction and within 0.5 degrees in the rotational direction. These systems are now being used at a Fujitsu factory.

Citation Download Citation

Yutaka Nakamura, Hitoshi Komoriya, Takao Hirahara, and Tetsuo Koezuka "Automated optical passive alignment technique for PLC modules", Proc. SPIE 3652, Machine Vision Applications in Industrial Inspection VII, (8 March 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.341128

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