JPS6488404A - Automatic aligning method for optical parts - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the work time by placing each of optical parts to be couple by separating them a little from an adherence state, at a stage of rough alignment and executing the alignment in a state that the emitted beam diameter has been enlarged. CONSTITUTION:By moving a stage 6 to which optical fibers 1, 2 have been fixed in the (x) and (y) directions, the optical fibers 1, 2 and an optical waveguide 3A are aligned roughly, and also, by moving the stage 6 in the Z direction, the optical fiber and a waveguide element 3 are allowed to adhere entirely. Subsequently, the stage 6 is brought to automatic fine movement by a control part 7, and the optical fibers 1, 2 are separated from the waveguide element 3 by a prescribed distance DELTAZ with regard to the Z direction. In this state, the stage 6 is brought to fine movement, and by measuring an output from the rear end of the optical fiber 2 by a power meter 5 and searching a position where said output exceeds a prescribed value, a rough alignment is executed. After the optical fibers 1, 2 and the waveguide 3A have been coupled enough optically, the optical fibers 1, 2 are moved automatically by DELTAZ in the Z direction, allowed to adhere entirely to the end face of the waveguide, and subsequently, the optical fibers 1, 2 are brought to fine movement in the (x) and (y) directions, and a precise alignment for searching a position where an optical output becomes maximum is executed. In such a way, a quick automatized processing can be executed.