Optical fibre alignment device and method

摘要

This invention relates to a device and method for alignment of an optical fiber (6) with the output facet of a laser diode (3) which are to be co-located on a mount (4), to obtain a substantially optimum coupling efficiency. The invention is particularly applicable to assemblies to be used for submarine use. The device comprises a universal joint through which the optical fiber (6) passes such that the end of the optical fiber (6) is adjacent to the output facet of the laser diode; and an adjustment means located at a distance from the universal joint such that displacement of the adjustment means causes a pivotal movement of the fiber about a pivotal point of the universal joint and results in a smaller displacement of the end of the optical fiber. The method comprises the steps of passively aligning the output facet of the laser diode (3) with the end of fiber (6); attaching the laser diode (3) to the mount (4); actively aligning the end of the fiber (6) with the output facet of the laser diode (3) using the above mentioned adjustment means; and finally, securing the fiber.