Self-aligning fiber couplers.

摘要

Self-Aligning Fiber Link characterized by an alignment chip (70) having via holes (72.1, 72.2) in which fibers (71.1; 71.2) are aligned, and which is flipped onto a substrate (60) with opto-electronic surface emitting or surface receiving elements (62.1, 62.2). Automatic and precise alignment of the fibers (71.1, 71.2) is achieved by using solder balls (66.1, 66.2) situated between the alignment chip (70) and said substrate (60). When melting these solder balls (66.1, 66.2) their surface tension automatically provides for an alignment of the assembly, such that the fibers (71.1, 71.2) are brought into a well defined position with respect to said opto-electronic elements (62.1, 62.2). <IMAGE>