Optical fiber switching device with active alignment

Abstract

The alignment of optical elements in a MOEMS, is of prime importance in order to realize a reliable and low loss system. Fabrication errors or temperature changes deteriorate the alignment accuracy. These errors can be compensated with the aid of an active alignment system. The aim of the paper is to investigate an active system in order to align microlenses and fibers within a system. A high lateral precision is required for single mode fiber injection, typically better than 1 micrometers . With the active alignment system we can correct a misalignment of +/- 6 micrometers .