Micromechanically aligned optical assembly

Abstract

An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of making an aligned optical assembly, comprising:
 moving a lever holding a lens to position the lens to focus light from a first waveguide into a second waveguide, the first waveguide and the second waveguide being physically coupled to a substrate, with the lever having a point fixed with respect to the substrate and the lever having a length substantially parallel to an optical axis of the light from the first waveguide to the lens; and   fixing position of the lever with the lens focusing light from the first waveguide into the second waveguide.   
     
     
         28 .- 51 . (canceled)